Existence of Lathyrus Beyond Lathyrism

Abstract

Lathyrus (Lathyrus sativus) pulse is better known as the causative agent of a crippling neurological disorder called Lathyrism. Patients suffer from gradual progressive increasing spasticity and bony changes, which ultimately result in crippling stages throughout life. The present literature aimed to discover the L. sativus existence beyond Lathyrism. We searched the electronic databases of PubMed and Google Scholar using the keywords. We have taken reference to previously published literature on the Lathyrus and Lathyrism. In the current literature, we have found that Lathyrus is nutritionally rich and tolerant to different kinds of environmental stress, and it could be included in human meals or used to feed animals. In India, Lathyrus is banned due to its proposed neurotoxicity. However, the literature suggests that alone, Lathyrus cannot cause Lathyrism. Other factors like environmental factors such as availability of water in paddy fields, associated genetic disorders, and metal content of soil decide the amount of beta-N-oxalyl-amino-L-alanine and Oxalyl-diamino-propionic acid (ODAP) in Lathyrus seeds and its effects. There are new technologies and physical methods that can minimize the toxic nature of Lathyrus. A low ODAP containing Lathyrus is an economic cereal for poor people and grazing animals.