Lupin seed extract offers promise in treating diabetes

Curtin University researchers say Lupin seed extract shows strong promise in regulating blood glucose levels in laboratory trials.

Research team leader Professor Philip Newsholme has told ABC News that broken down lupin seed could be used to stimulate insulin secretion in cells.

Professor Newsholme said although the research was in its early stages, lupin extract could be put into a beverage or yoghurt-based product to be taken just before a meal to lower the peak blood glucose levels that follow.

He also said human trials were likely to begin in two to three years and after they were competed in about five years, researchers could work with food companies to market a product with lupin seed extract.

Although drug trials often take 10 to 15 years, because lupin seed was a nutritional product, it could get to the market much more quickly he said.

Curtin researchers are working with a WA lupin grower on the project.