Biological Activity of Seed Proteins in Malesian Legumes

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Abstract
In a study of the effects on animals of seed protein extracts of 15 Malaysian members of the Leguminosae [Dialium indum, Intsia palembanica, Koompassia malaccensis, Saraca thaipingensis, Parkia speciosa, Pithecellobium ellipticum, P. jiringa, P. splendens, Canavalia gladiata, Crudia cartisii, Milletia atropurporea, Muncuna puriens, Psophocarpus tetragonolobus and Vigna sinensis] (including 11 rain forest tree species), most of the taxa agglutinated red blood cells [sheep, guinea pig, rat and human], induced mitosis and inhibited amylases [human salivary, pancreatic and sweet potato]. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that these proteins interact with other organisms, most probably in defense mechanisms against predation by animals. The functions of these proteins are most profitably studied in rain forest environments where their activity is so marked, and where biological interactions are particularly important.

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