Lathyrus odoratus medicinal (Lathyrus odoratus): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Lathyrus odoratus cause lathyrism?

Lathyrus odoratus seeds contain lathyrogens, particularly beta-aminopropionitrile and related amino acid derivatives, which inhibit lysyl oxidase—an enzyme essential for collagen cross-linking. This enzymatic inhibition disrupts connective tissue integrity and neuronal function, leading to neurolathyrism characterized by progressive, irreversible spastic paralysis. The condition develops from prolonged consumption of seeds containing these neurotoxic compounds. Evidence level: C.

Does Lathyrus odoratus interact with any medications?

Formal drug interaction studies for Lathyrus odoratus have not been conducted due to its contraindicated internal use. The lathyrogens in seeds could theoretically interfere with medications affecting collagen synthesis, connective tissue, or neurological function. Because internal consumption is dangerous and not recommended therapeutically, potential drug interactions remain uncharacterized. External aromatherapy use of flower fragrance is unlikely to cause pharmacological interactions. Evidence level: C.

What is the safe dosage for Lathyrus odoratus?

There is no safe internal dosage for Lathyrus odoratus seeds. The lathyrogen content causes irreversible neurotoxic paralysis (lathyrism) even with regular consumption of small amounts over time. The only established safe use is external aromatherapy with the flower fragrance. Seeds should never be ingested medicinally or otherwise. Traditional use has been limited to fragrant flower preparations for aromatic purposes only. Evidence level: C.

Is Lathyrus odoratus safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Lathyrus odoratus is unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The lathyrogens present in seeds can cause serious neurotoxic effects and potential developmental harm. No internal use is appropriate for pregnant or nursing individuals. While flower fragrance used externally in aromatherapy may be acceptable, internal exposure to any plant parts—especially seeds—must be strictly avoided throughout pregnancy and lactation. Evidence level: C.

Is sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) poisonous to humans?

Yes, Lathyrus odoratus seeds are poisonous to humans. Ingestion can cause lathyrism, an irreversible neurological condition characterized by spastic paralysis of the lower limbs. The toxicity comes from lathyrogens that disrupt collagen formation and nerve function. While the fragrant flowers have traditional use in aromatherapy, seeds should never be consumed in any quantity. All internal uses are contraindicated. Evidence level: C.

What are the medicinal uses of Lathyrus odoratus?

Lathyrus odoratus has extremely limited medicinal applications due to seed toxicity. Traditional and modern use is restricted to aromatherapy using the fragrant flowers. The flowers have been employed in folk traditions for their pleasant scent in aromatic preparations. Internal medicinal use is contraindicated because seeds contain toxic lathyrogens that cause lathyrism. No evidence supports therapeutic internal consumption. Evidence level: C.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as sweet pea, is primarily utilized as an ornamental plant [PMID: 29681747, PMID: 32726442]. It contains compounds that can induce neurotoxicity and connective tissue defects in animal models [PMID: 5348007, PMID: 13186839].

Contexte

Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea) is an ornamental species of the Leguminosae family [PMID: 7557366, PMID: 29681747]. It is widely grown for its floral scent and aesthetic value [PMID: 32726442, PMID: 39683065].

Composés actifs

The plant contains volatile terpenoids including linalool, alpha-bergamotene, (-)-alpha-cubebene, geraniol, beta-caryophyllene, and beta-sesquiphellandrene [PMID: 32726442, PMID: 39683065]. Other identified compounds include the carbohydrate L-bornesitol [PMID: 27392876], flavonoid pigments [PMID: 14399696, PMID: 11042958], and the toxic amino-nitrile beta-aminopropionitrile found in the beans [PMID: 32013735, PMID: 5348007].

Mécanisme d'action

Beta-aminopropionitrile in Lathyrus odoratus causes defects in the intra- and inter-molecular bonding of collagen, which diminishes wound tensile strength [PMID: 5348007].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DOccupational Asthma

A patient working in a greenhouse with Lathyrus odoratus developed asthma characterized by specific IgE against the plant's pollen, indicating a type I allergic mechanism [PMID: 7557366]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Lathyrus odoratus seeds are associated with lathyrism-like effects in animal models, including skeletal lesions [PMID: 13211697, PMID: 13826512] and the formation of periosteal exostoses when combined with tension [PMID: 3842143]. The beans contain toxic beta-aminopropionitrile [PMID: 32013735]. Exposure to pollen may cause type I allergic reactions and occupational asthma in sensitive individuals [PMID: 7557366].

Synthèse des preuves

The available evidence is primarily based on botanical, chemical, and animal studies (Level D), with one case report regarding occupational allergy. There is no clinical evidence supporting the medicinal use of Lathyrus odoratus in humans; rather, data highlights its toxicity and allergenic potential.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 6422318 (1983) — Lathyrism: a neurotoxic disease. · Neurobehavioral toxicology and teratology
2.PMID: 29681747 (2018) — Heredity of flake- and stripe-variegated traits and their introduction into Japanese day-neutral winter-flowering sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus L.) cultivars. · Breeding science
3.PMID: 23961179 (2012) — Evaluation of several holding solutions for prolonging vase-life and keeping quality of cut sweet pea flowers (Lathyrus odoratus L.). · Saudi journal of biological sciences
4.PMID: 32726442 (2020) — Functional Characterization of Terpene Synthases Accounting for the Volatilized-Terpene Heterogeneity in Lathyrus odoratus Cultivar Flowers. · Plant & cell physiology
5.PMID: 7557366 (1995) — Preventing fatalities from anaphylaxis: an allergist-immunologist's perspective.

Lathyrus odoratus medicinal

Sources et citations

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