Lectins are proteins that form a heterogeneous group, capable of binding specifically and reversibly to carbohydrates. They occur in various types of organisms, having different functions, in plants they are present in almost all structures, however with greater proportion in seeds roots and rhizomes. This review aims to provide a more detailed understanding of the antibacterial action of lectins and their biotechnological potential against pathogenic bacteria in the last ten years. Several mechanisms of action are described for the antibacterial activity of these proteins among which the best known occurs due to the interaction between the binding site of the lectin and the carbohydrates exposed on the bacterial cell surface. In vivo studies demonstrate that lectins act on the cascade of cytokines and influencing the level of nitric oxide as ways to decrease bacterial infection. To date, lectins have performed a wide antibacterial activity, emphasizing that each lectin acts according to its carbohydrate specificity, in this way, it is possible to have a distinct performance according to the plant species that are extracted. Thus, being an alternative to the antibacterial resistance that occurs in response to antibiotics. Furthermore, more studies with this theme are necessary for clinical application.

Lectins were discovered first in plants and later in other living things, and nowadays it is known that they are present in almost all many life forms. These proteins can bind to specific carbohydrates, which make them perform a number of biological activities and can be used as tools in the study of glycoconjugate structures present on the cell surface, being effective in medical research. Plant lectins, leguminosae lectins particularly, are among the most studied plant proteins. They are very versatile molecules, which show several interesting biological properties. Thus, the present paper reviewed the advances about the leguminosae lectins biological properties studies in the last ten years, taking into account their possible applications in the fields of Clinical Microbiology, Pharmacy and Cancerology through a search in the electronic databases, providing opportunity to exchange information about the theme. Leguminosae lectins can neutralize pathogenic organisms, be they viruses, prokaryotes and eukaryotes, in addition carcinogenic cells, besides decreasing oxidative stress, conditions which increases the possibility of alternative substances for the design of new drugs to be used in current therapeutic, expanding the possibilities of diseases cure. HIGHLIGHTS Leguminous lectins are proteins found in various parts of leguminous plants. Leguminous lectins are versatile in the carbohydrate binding specificity. Leguminous lectins have antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiproliferative features. Leguminous lectins are promising molecules for the design of new drugs.