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.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar posted on x that it has initiated ground-breaking research on cycad plant toxicity and its link to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinsonism, motor neuron disease, and dementia.

“To address this burning query, a distinguished group of national and international scientist

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