Some pharmacological properties of lupinus termis seeds

ABSTRACT

The ethanolic extract, total alkaloid, flavonoid and saponin fractions of Lupinus termis seeds were prepared. These plant materials were pharmacologically tested for hypoglycemic and antiinflammatory activities in rats and for the antmicrobial effect against certain bacteria and fungi in vitro. The extract and the total alkaloids fraction of Lupinus termis seeds caused a significant hypoglycemic effect in both fasted and diazoxide-treated rats, whereas the total flavonoid and saponin fractions were devoid of this property. In alloxan diabetic rats, all tested plant material had no antidiabetic effect. Both the extract and the total saponins fraction of lupinus termis seeds evoked a marked anti-inflammatory effect as manifested by the significant decrease in thickness of the inflamed paw in rats after oral administration and local application. However, the total alkaloid and flavonoid fractions of the seeds were devoid of this activity when given orally. Results of antimicrobial study showed that both the ethanolic extract and total flavonoid and saponin fractions of Lupinus termis seeds caused pronounced antibacterial and antifungal effects against certain microorganisms in vitro. On the other hand, the total alkaloids fraction of the seeds had neither antibacterial nor antifungal activity against the selected microorganisms