CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

In this study, seed extracts of cultivated Amaranthus species weretested for haemagglutinating activity. The extracts were prepared fromthe seeds of 7 Amaranthus cultivars and analyzed against samples fromhuman, rat and dog erythrocytes. To detect haemoagglutination, 5%suspensions of human blood samples of the types A, B and O wereprepared. The presence of polyphenols and saponins were determinedin the extracts, yielding positive results for polyphenolics compounds.In order to characterize the proteins present in the amaranth extracts,the protein gel electrophoresis technique was applied. All extractsanalyzed showed protein activity, and similar protein profile. Theextracts reacted strongly with red blood cells (RBCs) from human ABOblood groups. It also reacted with rat and dog RBCs. Thehemagglutinating activity was exhibited by the all extracts and theprecipitated lectins from all species tested, however, hemolytic activitywas not observed. The results obtained from the Amaranthus extractsindicate that it is non-specific for glycosylated antigens of the ABOsystem. The findings provide essential information for their use aspotential hemoclasification reagents in the immunohematologylaboratory.