Compendium of the most significant studies with reference to properties, intake, effects.

Lambein F, Travella S, Kuo YH, Van Montagu M, Heijde M. Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.): orphan crop, nutraceutical or just plain food? Planta. 2019 Sep;250(3):821-838. doi: 10.1007/s00425-018-03084-0. 

Abstract. However, already in ancient India and Greece, overconsumption of the seeds and a crippling neurological disorder, later coined neurolathyrism, had been linked. Overemphasis of their suspected toxic properties has led to disregard the plant's exceptionally positive agronomic properties and dietary advantages. 

Yan ZY, Spencer PS, Li ZX, Liang YM, Wang YF, Wang CY, Li FM. Lathyrus sativus (grass pea) and its neurotoxin ODAP. Phytochemistry. 2006 Jan;67(2):107-21. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2005.10.022.

Abstract. This paper addresses advances in understanding L. sativus from the perspective of its taxonomy, genetics, ecology, chemistry, nutrition, medicine, biology and for animal nutrition.

Enneking D. The nutritive value of grasspea (Lathyrus sativus) and allied species, their toxicity to animals and the role of malnutrition in neurolathyrism. Food Chem Toxicol. 2011 Mar;49(3):694-709. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2010.11.029.

Abstract. The safe use of grasspea (Lathyrus sativus) and allied species (L. cicera, L. clymenum and L. ochrus) requires a better understanding of the factors that are involved in the development of neurolathyrism.

Jiao CJ, Jiang JL, Ke LM, Cheng W, Li FM, Li ZX, Wang CY. Factors affecting β-ODAP content in Lathyrus sativus and their possible physiological mechanisms. Food Chem Toxicol. 2011 Mar;49(3):543-9. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2010.04.050.

Abstract.  In this paper, dynamic changes in β-ODAP level at specific stages of plant development as well as the influences of various environmental factors, including nutrient deficiency, drought, salinity, toxic heavy metals, and Rhizobium symbiosis on β-ODAP levels were analyzed, highlighting the relationship between changes in β-ODAP concentrations and Rhizobium growth.

Xu Q, Liu F, Chen P, Jez JM, Krishnan HB. β-N-Oxalyl-l-α,β-diaminopropionic Acid (β-ODAP) Content in Lathyrus sativus: The Integration of Nitrogen and Sulfur Metabolism through β-Cyanoalanine Synthase. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Feb 28;18(3):526. doi: 10.3390/ijms18030526.

Abstract. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role of sulfur metabolism in grass pea and its contribution to β-ODAP biosynthesis. Unraveling the fundamental steps and regulation of β-ODAP biosynthesis in grass pea will be vital for the development of improved varieties of this underutilized legume.

Urga, K., Fite, A., & Kebede, B. (1995). Nutritional and antinutritional factors of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) germplasms. Bulletin of the Chemical Society of Ethiopia, 9(1).

Anil Kumar D, Natarajan S, Bin Omar NAM, Singh P, Bhimani R, Singh SS. Proteomic Changes in Chick Brain Proteome Post Treatment with Lathyrus Sativus Neurotoxin, β-N-Oxalyl-L-α,β-Diaminopropionic Acid (L-ODAP): A Better Insight to Transient Neurolathyrism. Toxicol Res. 2018 Jul;34(3):267-279. doi: 10.5487/TR.2018.34.3.267.

Abstract. Insights from our study may provide a platform to explore the beneficial side of L-ODAP at lower concentrations. This study is of significance especially in view of the Government of India lifting the ban on cultivation of low toxin Lathyrus varieties and consumption of this lentil.