Tag: odap

Epidemics of neurolathyrism, a debilitating neurological disease, have been documented for centuries, often during famines when reliance on the grass pea legume is high. In this context, understanding which vitamin is associated with neurolathyrism is crucial for both prevention and mitigation of this crippling illness.

Historically documented in famines as far back as 400 BC, the serious medical condition caused by Kesari dal is a neurodegenerative disorder known as lathyrism. This disease is triggered by a neurotoxin found in the pulse, which, upon prolonged and excessive consumption, can cause severe, irreversible paralysis of the lower limbs.

According to scientific studies, the consumption of a particular legume, especially during times of famine, has been linked to a neurotoxic disorder. This debilitating condition, known as lathyrism, is caused by a specific dal that contains a damaging neurotoxin.

According to ancient texts from Hippocrates, symptoms of a neurological disorder linked to consuming Lathyrus peas were described as early as 400 B.C., a disease now known to be caused by the toxin responsible for lathyrism, β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP). This neurotoxin is the primary cause of the debilitating condition known as neurolathyrism.

Epidemics of lathyrism are often linked to periods of drought and famine, where overconsumption of the hardy grass pea becomes a necessity for survival. This dependence on a single food source, particularly when diets are nutritionally deficient, significantly increases the risk of this irreversible neurodegenerative disease.

Epidemics of neurolathyrism often followed periods of famine throughout history, when the drought-resistant grass pea (*Lathyrus sativus*) became the primary or sole food source for impoverished populations. This debilitating neurological disease, causing irreversible paralysis of the legs, is a historical and modern-day reminder of the dangers posed by toxic compounds within certain food plants.

Lathyrism, one of the oldest neurotoxic diseases known to humankind, is primarily linked to the overconsumption of a drought-resistant legume called the grass pea (*Lathyrus sativus*), especially during times of famine. The core cause is a potent neurotoxin found within these seeds.

Historically, outbreaks of neurolathyrism have occurred during famines where one specific type of dal, Kesari dal (*Lathyrus sativus*), was consumed excessively. This debilitating neurological disease is caused by a potent neurotoxin found in the legume, leading to irreversible paralysis.