Neurotoxin found in Odisha’s ancient Cycad plants; AIIMS Bhubaneswar initiates research on toxicology

BHUBANESWAR: In a significant scientific finding with public health implications, researchers have detected the presence of BMAA (β-N-methylamino-L-alanine), a potential neurotoxin, in several species of ancient Cycad plants growing in Odisha’s forests, the AIIMS Bhubaneswar informed in a press statement on Monday.

The discovery has raised concern as some local communities continue to consume cycad-based foods such as pitha, a traditional rice-based cake in Odisha, as part of their customary diet and rituals. These serious concerns over whether such consumption practices are directly linked to an increased incidence of neurological diseases remain a critical question that has prompted new research initiatives at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar. “To address this burning query, a distinguished group of national and international scientists and medical experts recently convened at an international workshop titled ‘Cycad-Related Neurological Disorders: A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Its Remediation’.

The event was jointly organised by the Department of Neurology, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong,” the statement added.