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 grou

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