Lupanine is a chemical compound found in plants of the Lupinus genus. Its spelling can be explained with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈluːpəniːn/. The first syllable is pronounced with a long "oo" sound, followed by a "p" sound and an "uh" sound for the second and third syllables respectively. The fourth syllable has a long "ee" sound, and the final syllable is pronounced with the "n" sound. Mastery of IPA transcription enables us to accurately spell and pronounce complex chemical compound names.
Lupanine is a naturally occurring alkaloid compound found in a variety of plant species, particularly in plants of the Lupinus genus, which includes lupins, a type of flowering legume. It is most commonly found in the seeds and pods of these plants. Lupanine has a distinct bitter taste and is known for its toxic properties.
Chemically, lupanine belongs to the class of quinolizidine alkaloids. It possesses a tricyclic structure, with a central quinolizidine ring fused to two pyrrolidine rings. Lupanine has a molecular formula of C15H24N2O and a molecular weight of 248.36 g/mol.
From a biological standpoint, lupanine acts as a potent competitive antagonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. It has been shown to interfere with the normal synaptic transmission of nerve impulses, resulting in neuromuscular blockade. This activity is responsible for its toxic effects on animals, primarily causing symptoms such as muscular tremors and convulsions.
Due to its toxic nature, lupanine is not suitable for consumption by humans or animals. However, it has been studied for its potential medicinal properties. Research suggests that lupanine may have antifungal, antibacterial, and antitumor activities, making it a subject of interest in drug development.
Overall, lupanine is a bitter, toxic alkaloid found in various plant species, primarily lupins. It possesses a complex chemical structure and has biological effects on the nervous system. While it is not safe for consumption, it holds promise for potential therapeutic applications in the future.
An alkaloid, C16H24N2O, from the seed of Lupinus albus, L. angustifolia, and L. perennis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "lupanine" is derived from the Latin term "lupinus", which means "wolf". This Latin term was used to describe the legume Lupinus, commonly known as lupine or lupin, which has a seed compound named "lupanine". The name "lupinus" was given to these legumes because they were often found growing in poor, sandy soil, and it was believed that they robbed the soil of its fertility, similar to how wolves were considered to rob the livestock. Thus, the term "lupinus" and subsequently "lupanine" became associated with these particular legumes.