Lupinine

Lupinine is a naturally occurring alkaloid produced by many lupines (genus Lupinus). It is classified as a quinolizidine alkaloid and is commonly found in seeds and, to a lesser extent, in green tissues of the plant. The concentration of lupinine varies widely among species, cultivars, and growing conditions, and it is often one of the predominant alkaloids in wild-type lupines.

Lupinine is part of the complex alkaloid profile of lupines, which also includes compounds such as lupanine and sparteine. These alkaloids are nitrogen-containing heterocycles that contribute to the plant's chemical defense against herbivores. The precise role of lupinine within the mixture can vary by species.

Use and safety: Raw lupine seeds can be toxic if consumed in sufficient quantities due to their alkaloid content. In livestock, poisoning from lupine ingestion can affect appetite, nervous system function, and overall health. To make lupines suitable for feeding or for human consumption, many varieties have been bred to produce low-alkaloid or "sweet" seeds, and processing steps known as debittering are used to reduce residual alkaloids.

Notes: In addition to its ecological and agricultural relevance, lupinine is of interest to plant chemists studying lupine alkaloids. It is generally not a standard pharmaceutical agent, but its presence helps explain the broader chemistry and evolution of secondary metabolites in Lupinus species.