Medical scientists from various institutes have identified BMAA, a potential Cycad neurotoxin, in several species of the Cycad plant found in Odisha’s forests, according to a statement issued by AIIMS Bhubaneswar. This finding has raised significant alarms because a section of local people traditionally consume Cycad plant products, such as ‘pitha’, as part of their diet and rituals. Consequently, this discovery prompts crucial questions about the potential direct link between consuming Cycad plant-based food and an increased incidence of neurological diseases. AIIMS Bhubaneswar has proactively initiated research to address this critical query.
Experts directly engaged with villagers, patients, and local healthcare providers, aiming to understand potential neurological and related health problems arising from consuming Cycad seeds. Moreover, a distinguished group of national and international scientists and medical experts recently participated in an international workshop. Titled “Cycad-Related Neurological Disorders: A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Its Remediation,” the Department of Neurology, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, jointly organized the event.
Understanding the Cycad Neurotoxin and Its Impact
The workshop effectively highlighted the serious health risks associated with Cycad, an ancient plant species that coexisted with dinosaurs for over 300 million years. Frequently used today as ornamental flora, Cycad species inherently contain potent toxins. These include Cycacin, BMAA (β-N-methylamino-L-alanine), and MAM (methylazoxymethanol). Interestingly, BMAA is a non-protein amino acid produced by cyanobacteria, often found in symbiotic association with Cycad plants. These toxins have been strongly associated with debilitating neurodegenerative diseases, for example, Parkinsonism, motor neurone disease, and dementia in other global regions. Notably, the Guam peninsula in the US and the Kii peninsula in Japan serve as prominent examples, where the plant has been an indigenous part of traditional diets. Furthermore, chronic exposure to BMAA can lead to neuronal damage and protein misfolding, pathways commonly observed in neurodegenerative disorders.
Indeed, studies indicate BMAA can cross the blood-brain barrier and become trapped in proteins, providing a reservoir for slow release over time. Additionally, BMAA may be misincorporated into nascent proteins, leading to protein misfolding and aggregation, which are hallmarks of tangle diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS. The comprehensive workshop concluded with a firm commitment to prepare a clear roadmap for advancing research. It also emphasized enhancing community awareness and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. This collective effort ultimately aims to understand and mitigate the significant health risks associated with Cycad consumption in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is BMAA and why is its discovery in Odisha significant?
BMAA (β-N-methylamino-L-alanine) is a potential neurotoxin identified in Cycad plants. Its discovery in Odisha is significant because local communities traditionally consume Cycad plant products, raising concerns about a potential link to neurological diseases among the population.
Q2: What neurological diseases are associated with Cycad toxins?
Cycad toxins, including BMAA, Cycacin, and MAM, have been strongly associated with debilitating neurodegenerative diseases. These include Parkinsonism, motor neurone disease, and dementia, based on findings from other global regions where Cycad is part of traditional diets.
Q3: What actions are being taken in response to this discovery?
AIIMS Bhubaneswar has initiated research to investigate the link between Cycad consumption and neurological diseases. Moreover, an international workshop was held, bringing together experts to plan a roadmap for further research, community awareness, and interdisciplinary collaboration to mitigate health risks.
References
- Researchers find potential neurotoxin in Cycad plant used as food in Odisha – ETHealthworld
- Mechanisms of beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine induced neurotoxicity – PubMed
- β-Methylamino-L-alanine – Wikipedia
- Experts warn of Neurodegenerative risks from Cycad plant consumption
- Cycads and their association with certain neurodegenerative diseases | Neurología (English Edition) – Elsevier
- Environmental Neurotoxin β-N-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) as a Widely Occurring Putative Pathogenic Factor in Neurodegenerative Diseases – MDPI
- Cellular and Molecular Aspects of the β-N-Methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) Mode of Action within the Neurodegenerative Pathway: Facts and Controversy – PMC – PubMed Central
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