Metabolism of dietary ODAP in humans may be responsible for the low incidence of neurolathyrism

Morphological characteristics of some accessions of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) grown in Europe and nutritional traits of their seeds

“…These values were notably lower in comparison to the data obtained in the other studies (Samour et al 2007) and can be presumed safe for human consumption (Vedna 2001). Pratap Rudra et al (2004) revealed that humans, contrary to animals, appear to possess a unique mechanism for its metabolism or detoxification.…”

The influence of raw grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) seeds on growth performance and biochemical and haematological parameters in the blood of grower-finisher pigs

“…A factor which limits their usefulness is the presence of β-ODAP (β-N-oxalyl-diaminopropionic acid) neurotoxin which causes a disease known as lathyrism or neurolathyrism, occurring symptoms as paralysis of the leg muscles, muscular rigidity and weakness (Lambein et al 1993, Jyothi et al 1998, Getahun et al 1999, Pratap Rudra et al 2004, Kuo et al 2007, as well as a range of other anti-nutrient substances, such as protease inhibitors, lectins, tannins and phytinians (Ramachandran et al 2005, Sharma et al 2003. Extrusion of the seeds results in limiting the activity of these toxins (Grela et al 2001, Ramachadran andRay 2004), yet this is a costly procedure.…”

A Novel Potentiometric Sensor for Determination of Neurotoxinβ-N-Oxalyl-L-α,β-Diaminopropionic Acid

“…This disease is characterized by a spastic paraplegia whose sporadic outbreaks have occurred at times due to the excessive consumption of the pulse Lathyrus sativus (grass pea, khesari dal, guaya, and chickling pea) especially under famine conditions in certain parts of Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Spain, Russia, and India [4–6]. The major toxic component of the pulse is ODAP, a neurotoxin amino acid [3, 4], which can potentially act as an agonist at certain glutamate receptors and [7, 8] inhibit specifically tyrosine aminotransferase [9] and chelates metals like zinc [10] that is also present in the longevity promoting Ginseng root [11]. However, the cultivation of the Lathyrus sativus, which contains high amount of ODAP, has been continuing in several parts of the world, and large populations still consume it in their daily diet [4].…”

“…The major toxic component of the pulse is ODAP, a neurotoxin amino acid [3, 4], which can potentially act as an agonist at certain glutamate receptors and [7, 8] inhibit specifically tyrosine aminotransferase [9] and chelates metals like zinc [10] that is also present in the longevity promoting Ginseng root [11]. However, the cultivation of the Lathyrus sativus, which contains high amount of ODAP, has been continuing in several parts of the world, and large populations still consume it in their daily diet [4]. Even under severe drought conditions when Lathyrus sativus has been consumed as the sole dietary source, the disease affects only less than 5% of the individuals and more than 95% always escape from any ill effects of the pulse [4, 12].…”

“…However, the cultivation of the Lathyrus sativus, which contains high amount of ODAP, has been continuing in several parts of the world, and large populations still consume it in their daily diet [4]. Even under severe drought conditions when Lathyrus sativus has been consumed as the sole dietary source, the disease affects only less than 5% of the individuals and more than 95% always escape from any ill effects of the pulse [4, 12]. …”