Lathyrus sativus (grass pea) and its neurotoxin ODAP

Lathyrus sativus is a high-yielding, drought-resistant legume, whose development into an important food legume has been hindered by the presence of the neurotoxin - β-N-oxalyl-l-α,β-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP). The paper provides an overview of Lathyrus sativus and its neurotoxin ODAP in taxonomy, genetics, ecology, chemistry, nutrition, medicine, biology and animal nutrition.