Nutritional Composition, Phenolic Content, and Antioxidant Assessment of Mediterranean Lupinus Seeds

This study presents a comprehensive biochemical characterization and antioxidant profiling of four Mediterranean lupin species, namely Lupinus albus L., Lupinus luteus L., Lupinus cosentinii Guss ., and Lupinus gussoneanus J. Agardh, to assess their potential as sustainable functional ingredients. The nutritional composition, mineral content, phenolic compounds, and in vitro antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP) were evaluated. Significant interspecific variations were observed: L. luteus exhibited the highest crude protein content (35.45% DM), while L. cosentinii was particularly rich in crude cellulose (20.77% DM). L. albus showed the highest gross energy value (4487.3 kcal kg −1 DM). Mineral analysis revealed species‐specific accumulations, particularly of phosphorus and magnesium in L. luteus . Furthermore, L. gussoneanus possessed the highest total polyphenol content (8.41 mg GAE g −1 DM), whereas L. albus had the highest condensed tannins (0.97 mg CE g −1 DM). Antioxidant activity was highly method‐dependent, with ABTS values strongly correlating with total polyphenols ( r = 0.973, p < 0.001). Notably, L. gussoneanus showed exceptional ABTS activity (21.93 μmol TE g −1 DM). The results highlight the influence of phytochemical composition on bioactivity and underscore the need for multi‐method antioxidant assessment. These findings support the valorization of Mediterranean lupins as promising components for functional foods and animal feed formulations, contributing to nutritional sustainability and improved health outcomes.