Biochemical remarks in connection with the lathyrism problem

Abstract

As lathyrism is one of the most typical chronic discases produced by one-sided deficiency of nutrition, it seemed of the greatest interest to determine the basis of its etiology and treatment with regard to the Chemical constitution of the Lathyrus sativus seeds, which are the only ones that produce these effects.

In a series of samples of different origins, the proportion of the following constituents was determined:

a) Glucids: holosides, heterosides (glucoside: “vicine”), starch, cellulose, pentosans, phytin, lignin, and total glucides, after previous inversion.

b) Lipids: Colour, specific weight, refraction index, rotatory. power, acidity index, and that of saponification, of iodine, of Henner, of Reichert-Meissel, of acetyl and insapenificable residue, glycerine, lecithin, fatty acids, sterols, etc.

c) Potrids: protidical fractions, essential amino-acids.

d) Vitamins: A, B1, B2, C, D, E, PP.

e) Ashes: principal anions and cations, trace elements.

f) Other significant substances: alcaloids, saponins, etc.

On the basis of these determinations some considerations with regard to the importance of the different factors are established, to which is given signification in relation to the appearance of the illness.