Lathyrism-Its Aetiology and Prevention

Lathyrism is a crippling disease characterised by paralysis of the leg muscles occurring mostly in adults consuming large quantities of the seeds of L-sativus or other lathyrus species over long periods. In India, the disease occurs in Central Provinces, Rewa, Bhopal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. The disease has also been reported to occur in Spain, Algeria and occasionally in certain parts of France and Italy where lathyrus peas are consumed by the people.