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Objectives To study and characterize the in vivo effect of the lectin from Luetzelburgia auriculata seed on acute inflammation models. Methods The lectin was purified from the crude saline extract by affinity chromatography on a guar-gum matrix. Native, heat-treated, and digested lectin was evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity by using peritonitis and paw edema models. The anti-inflammatory activity was characterized by intravital microscopy, nitric oxide production, and myeloperoxidase activity. Results The lectin exhibited anti-inflammatory activity (2 mg/kg) on both models, reducing local myeloperoxidase activity. Galactose or heat treatment (100°C, 10 min) reduced anti-inflammatory action. Anti-inflammation involves the inhibition of adhesion and rolling of leukocytes along with augmentation of nitric oxide in serum. The lectin inhibited the edematogenic effect of histamine and prostaglandins (PGE2) but did not alter the chemoattractant effect of IL-8. Conclusions The results indicate that this lectin is a potent anti-inflammatory molecule. Its effects engage diverse modulatory events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]