Lupanine is a quinolizidine alkaloid naturally present in lupin seeds ( Lupinus albus , Lupinus luteus of lupanine, others contain significant amounts, which may pose a toxic risk to human and animal consumption.
Its dosage is therefore essential to ensure the safety of lupin-based foods, functional ingredients, and supplements. It is also a key criterion in the quality control of lupin flours, plant extracts, and processed products.
Dosage objectives
- Evaluate the content of bitter alkaloids, particularly lupanine, before placing on the market
- Comply with the regulatory thresholds imposed by the EFSA or national health safety agencies
- Controlling batch quality to guarantee the safety of lupin-containing formulations
- Preventing neurotoxic or digestive effects associated with excessive lupanine levels
Analytical methodology
The assay is generally performed according to validated protocols in liquid chromatography:
- HPLC-DAD or HPLC-UV for routine analyses
- LC-MS/MS for better specificity, particularly in the presence of other alkaloids (sparteine, angustifoline, etc.)
- Aqueous or alkaline extraction, often followed by solid phase cleaning (SPE)
YesWeLab's partner laboratories use reverse-phase C18 columns with detection at 210–230 nm or in MRM (Multiple Reaction Monitoring) mode for bulk analyses.
Affected matrices
- Lupin flours
- Baked or extruded products containing lupin
- Concentrated plant extracts
- Dietary supplements
- Nutraceutical ingredients derived from the lupin supply chain
Industrial applications
- Securing products intended for human or animal consumption
- Development of legume-based food ranges
- Quality control in agri-food processing
- Regulatory compliance under Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 or REACH for extracts
Useful links to other related analyses
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