Lupin poisoning: a review

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Human Medicine
• Food Science

Background:

• Lupin beans (Fabaceae family) are a protein-rich food source with increasing popularity.
• Certain lupin species contain toxic alkaloids, such as spartaine and lupanine, which can cause anticholinergic syndrome if beans are improperly processed.
• Lupin poisoning is a rare but significant concern, necessitating a clear understanding of its clinical manifestations and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically analyze human case reports of lupin poisoning.
• To define the most common clinical findings, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes.
• To assess the severity and potential risks associated with lupin poisoning, particularly in different age groups.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of human case reports on lupin poisoning.
• Screening of literature databases (PubMed, Google Scholar) for relevant studies.
• Analysis of demographics, symptom onset, treatment, and outcomes, categorizing symptoms using ICD-11 classification.

Main Results:

• Analysis of 27 case reports involving 33 patients across all age groups and sexes.
• Most frequent symptoms included bilateral mydriasis, dry mouth (xerostomia), and blurred vision, with symptom onset typically within 60 minutes.
• Most cases required conservative management and resolved within 24 hours; however, two of four pediatric patients required ICU admission, and one child died.

Conclusions:

• Lupin poisoning is rare and usually managed conservatively with favorable outcomes.
• Children are at higher risk for severe lupin poisoning effects compared to adults.
• The rising popularity of lupin beans as a protein alternative may increase the incidence of poisoning, underscoring the importance of proper processing and awareness.