A protein found in the pea effectively kills off common bacteria strains

A purified protein from peas (Pisum sativum L.) was evaluated to have more than 120 amino acids, all of which work together to improve the immune system. This effect was observed to have a profound effect in the prevention and treatment of infections caused by common bacterial strains such as E. coli and S. aureus.

• Lectin V-2 (carbohydrate-binding proteins) was extracted from the seeds of peas.
• These proteins were purified by two different types of chromatography.
• The purified lectin was analyzed and measured; its molecular weight and its complete amino acid sequence were likewise identified.
• It was found that pea lectin displayed impressive antibacterial activity, particularly in combating the adverse health effects caused by E. coli and S. aureus.
  • E. coli can cause intestinal infections that lead to bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and even kidney failure.
  • S. aureus, on the other hand, can cause skin and soft tissue infections such as furuncles (boils) and cellulitis.
• It was determined that pea lectin is effective at concentrations of 1 mg.

The researcher behind this study concluded that peas can be an effective and natural way to prevent common bacterial infections.

These results were published in Idesia.

Do you know that the oldest pea was found in Thailand? It was found to be more than 3,000 years old. Learn more fun facts about peas and other superfoods at Food.news.

Journal Reference:

Caceres-Huambo, A. DETERMINATION OF THE PRIMARY STRUCTURE OF A LECTIN V-2 FROM PEA (PISUM SATIVUM L.) SEEDS AND HIS ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECT ON STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AND ESCHERICHIA COLI. Idesia. 2017; 35(1), DOI: 10.4067/S0718-34292017005000006.