Medical scientists from various institutes have identified BMAA, a potential neurotoxin, in several species of the Cycad plant found in the forests of Odisha, according to a statement issued by AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

The finding has raised alarms as a section of local people follow traditions of consuming Cycad plant products, such as ‘pitha’ (a local food), as part of their diet and rituals.

This discovery was made as part of research by AIIMS Bhubaneswar to find out whether consuming Cycad plant-based food directly poses a risk of neurological diseases.

“Whether this (Cycad plant-based food) consumption is directly linked to an increased incidence of neurological diseases remains a critical question. To get an answer to the query, the AIIMS Bhubaneswar has initiated research,” a statement

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