The effect of alkaloids present in blue lupine (Lupinus angustifolius) seeds on the growth rate, selected biochemical blood indicators and histopathological changes in the liver of rats

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of alkaloids present in blue lupine (Lupinus angustifolius) seeds on the growth rate, selected indicators of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and liver morphology in rats. The experimental material comprised 32 Wistar rats at around 3 weeks of age, with an initial body weight of 81 g. During a 28-day feeding trial, the rats were fed diets containing the seeds of three blue lupine cultivars, Baron, Zeus and Wersal, with different alkaloid concentrations (0.36, 0.41, 0.56 mg/kg, respectively). Diets containing the seeds of three blue lupine cultivars reduced the feed intake and significantly limited the growth rate of experimental rats, compared to the control group. Lupine alkaloids had no effect on the serum concentrations of glucose and total cholesterol in rats, whereas elevated triglyceride concentrations were noted in experimental groups, relative to the control group. Diets containing the seeds of blue lupine cultivars Zeus and Wersal induced changes in alanine transaminase activity. A histopathological analysis of the liver revealed parenchymatous degeneration, which was more advanced in rats fed diets with the seeds of blue lupine cultivars Zeus and Wersal than in the control group, and congestion of portal vessels, which was more severe in rats fed the seeds of blue lupine cultivars Baron and Zeus.