Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Proteins of Phaseoulus lunatus (Fabaceae) Baby Lima Beans Produced in Ecuador

Phaseoulus lunatus L., a variety of baby lima bean, which is produced in the coastal region of Ecuador, is a profitable crop of that country. Various cultivars of this common bean are considered a sources for nutraceutical compounds, such as bioactive peptides. To assess the potential biologic activities of protein isolates and hydrolysates of P. lunatus baby lima beans, this study evaluates the proteins antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Antioxidant activity was measured by the TBARS method. In-vitro anti-inflammatory activity was measured by the inhibition of denatured protein as well as a diffusion method, according with CLSI guidelines by antimicrobial activity. Both fractions (isolate and hydrolysates) showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. However, protein hydrolysates (pH 5) had a better performance than protein isolates. The same effect was observed in antimicrobial activity, when protein hydrolysates had a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. These preliminary studies suggest that P. lunatus baby lima beans could have a considerable biological activity for nutraceutical applications.