Neurolathyrism in Sub‐Saharan Africa—Assessing the Neurotoxic Risks of <i>Lathyrus sativus</i> Amid Drought and Food Security Challenges

Abstract

ABSTRACT Neurolathyrism is a progressive motor neuron disease due to the consumption of Lathyrus sativus (grass pea) over long periods. The disease is still a major public health problem in the drought regions of sub‐Saharan Africa, where it continues to be used as a food source when other crops collapse because of the lack of water. Grass pea β‐N‐oxalyl‐L‐α,β‐diaminopropionic acid (β‐ODAP) toxin may be reduced through indigenous detoxification techniques of soaking, boiling, and fermentation. However, during long droughts, such measures are often infrequent or ineffectual. The excessive reliance on grass peas highlights the precarious symmetry between nutritional survival and neurotoxic risk. Neurolathyrism has been variably associated with long‐term exposure among famine populations, particularly socioeconomically deprived groups. Low‐ODAP cultivar use and improved detoxification techniques continue to be restricted by cultural preference, low exposure, and resource constraints. This review examines the intersection of food security, neurotoxic risk, and One Health policy considerations and highlights the imperative for holistic agricultural innovation, public health education, and adaptive policy frameworks to protect vulnerable communities.