Lathyrus toxin

T (A reaction in which aldehydes form an a, /Tunsaturated aldehyde linkage is referred to as an aldol condensation. In condensation reactions a small molecule, in this case H20, is removed.) In a disease called lathyrism, which occurs in humans and several other animals, a toxin (/J-aminopropionitrile) found in sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) inactivates lysyl oxidase. Consider the abundance of collagen in animal bodies and suggest some likely symptoms of this malady. 

A problem with the pulses is the presence of various types of toxin, some of which are only destroyed by prolonged heat. For example, soya beans contain a trypsin inhibitor. Aflatoxins produced by the mould Aspergillus flavus, which may contaminate groundnuts, have been found to damage the liver and cause carcinoma in various species. These substances have restricted the use of groundnuts both for human and animal nutrition. Lathyrism (page 419), which may produce permanent paralysis, results from the consumption of large quantities of the pea. Lathyrus sativus, usually when the main crops have failed. 

F. Jaby El-Haramein, A. Abd El Moneim, H. Nakkoul, P. C. Williams. Prediction of the nemo-toxin beta-N-oxalyl amonio-L-alanine in Lathyrus species, using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy. J Near Infrared Spectrosc 6 A93-A96,1998. 

A disease due to the toxicant found in the Lathyrus seed (Lathyrus sativus). The toxin produces an irreversible, gradual weakness, followed by paralysis of both legs (paraplegia). Outbreaks occur in Asia and North Africa mainly during years of poor wheat crops. In these areas, it is common practice to plant Lathyrus with the wheat. If rainfall is adequate, the wheat overgrows the Lathyrus. However, in a year when the rains fail, mainly Lathyrus seed is harvested and it becomes the main dietary energy source and the symptoms... 

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