Lupine (Lupinus caudatus L., Lupinus albus L.) Seeds: History of Use, Use as an Antihyperglycemic Medicinal, and Use as a Food

This chapter highlights the medicinal properties of lupine seeds. In the case of the lupine, the plant also provides a source of nourishment that might not otherwise be available. It is also one of the several plant materials that have been shown to control diabetes in the lupine. The primary alkaloids found in most lupine species are lupinine and sparteine, which are part of the quinolizidine alkaloid class. This class of alkaloid can be hepatotoxic in large quantities. Most work related to the hypoglycemic effects of lupine has been conducted in animals. Recent work on streptozoticin-induced diabetic rats has shown that extracts of the seed can lower blood glucose levels in these rats to normal levels and can blunt the glucose spike following a meal. A major protein component of the seed is conglutins, which, in addition to their food value, have potentially therapeutic effects on cholesterol and blood glucose. Lupine, like other legumes, contains fiber as well as protein. Quinolizidine and pyrolizidine alkaloids are present in the lupine seeds and must be removed before consumption to avoid toxicity. Sweet lupines have been cultivated for their use as a feed in countries where arid conditions preclude or hamper the production of soybean.