Lathyrogens

Lathyrogens, found in legumes such as chick peas and vetch, are derivatives of amino acids that act as metabolic antagonists of glutamic acid, a neurotransmitter in the brain. When lathyrogens are ingested in large amounts by humans or animals, they cause a crippling paralysis of the lower limbs and may result in death. Lathyrism only occurs on a impoverished diet of vetch, sweet pea, or grass pea and is characterized by bone thinning and leg paralysis.

References
Back to List of Endogenous Plant Toxins

Prepared Summer 1997 by Bernadene Magnuson, Ph.D.
University of Idaho, Dept. of Food Science and Toxicology - EXTOXNET FAQ Team.