Tepary bean () lectin fraction provokes reversible adverse effects on rats' digestive tract.

The Tepary bean () lectin fraction (TBLF) exhibits differential cytotoxicity on colon cancer cells and inhibition of early tumorigenesis in the colon (50 mg/kg, three times per week, for 6 weeks). TBLF showed low toxicity with the ability to activate the immune system; however, some adverse effects are the loss in body weight gain, intestinal atrophy, and pancreatic hyperplasia. After a recovery period of 2 weeks after treatment, reversion of pancreatic hyperplasia but no recovery of intestinal atrophy was observed.