Impact of environmental factors on the presence of quinolizidine alkaloids in lupins: a review

Abstract

Lupin seeds have a high potential as an alternative for animal proteins in feed and food. However, the possible presence of alkaloids hinders the usage of lupins in human diets. This review aims to identify the main factors that influence the presence of alkaloids in lupins. A literature study covering English-published scientific papers in Scopus from 1980 to 2022 was performed. Biotic, abiotic, and genotypic factors influence the production of these toxic secondary metabolites by lupines. In particular, sweet cultivars with high 13-hydroxylupanine and 13-tigloyloxylupanine concentrations, abundant light exposure and standard diurnal cycles, well-watering procedures, relatively cold environment, N-deficient fertilizer with 240 mg K kg⁻¹ and 60 mg P kg⁻¹, high soil pH, and organic growing system conditions, are the best options to avoid high global alkaloid content. Results of this study can be used to develop predictive mechanistic models, although there is still the necessity to collect additional data by performing multi-variate studies.

Keywords:

• Exposure
• statistical analysis
• environmental contaminants
• natural toxicants – alkaloids
• animal feed

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was financed by the Netherlands Ministry of Nature and Food Quality, under Knowledge based project [KB-37-002-038].