Safety and Efficacy of a Beverage Containing Lupine Protein Hydrolysates on the Immune, Oxidative and Lipid Status in Healthy Subjects: An Intervention Study (the Lupine-1 Trial)

Scope We have previously demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of in vitro administered Lupinus angustifolius protein hydrolysates (LPHs) on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a beverage containing LPHs (LPHb) on the immune, oxidative and metabolic status of healthy subjects. Methods and Results In this open-label intervention, 33 participants daily ingest a LPHb containing 1 g LPHs for 28 days. Biochemical parameters are assayed in fasting peripheral blood and urine samples before, during (14 days) and after LPHb ingestion. Participants' health status and the immune and antioxidant responses of PBMCs are also evaluated throughout the trial. The LPHb ingestion is safe and effective in both increasing the anti-/pro-inflammatory response of PBMCs and improving the cellular anti-oxidant capacity. LPHb also reduces the low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C)/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) atherogenic index. LPHb effect is particularly beneficial on decreasing not only the LDL-C/HDL-C index but also serum total cholesterol levels in the male cohort that shows the highest baseline levels of well-known cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion This is the first study to show the pleiotropic actions of a lupine bioactive peptides-based functional food on key steps of atherosclerosis including inflammation, oxidative stress, and cholesterol metabolism.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a beverage containing Lupinus angustifolius protein hydrolysates (LPHs) on the immune, oxidative, and metabolic status of healthy subjects. The results showed that LPHb ingestion was safe and effective in enhancing the anti-/pro-inflammatory response of PBMCs and improving cellular antioxidant capacity. Additionally, LPHb was found to reduce the LDL-C/HDL-C atherogenic index and serum total cholesterol levels, especially in the male cohort.