Lupin
Avoid Lupin, Liver Toxic
Lupinus, commonly known as Lupins or lupines (North America), is a genus in the legume family. This is toxic to the liver. Lupinus, especially the seeds, can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
Both sweet and bitter lupins in feed can cause livestock poisoning. Lupin poisoning is a nervous syndrome caused by alkaloids in bitter lupins. Mycotoxic lupinosis is a disease caused by lupin material that is infected with a fungus. This can cause liver damage. Poisonous lupin seeds cause annually the loss of many cattle and sheep on western American Ranges. People with peanut allergy should generally avoid lupins. In one study 44% of people with peanut allergy had a positive allergy test for lupin allergy.
While lupin poisoning is rarely fatal, laburnum is fatal. As few as 20 laburnum beans can kill a child. It is important to explain to children the danger of snacking on the beans of lupin and laburnum.
Symptoms
Lupin and Scotch broom poisoning results in depressed heart and nervous systems and a consequent sensation of numbness, especially in the feet and hands. In particularly susceptible persons, death can occur from respiratory failure. The lectin in Robinia causes diarrhea, which can lead, in turn, to dehydration and shock. On the other hand, laburnum poisoning is marked by burning sensations in the mouth and abdomen, nausea, drowsiness, headache, and fever. In severe cases, the victim may experience hallucinations and convulsions, before slipping into a fatal coma.
