Lathyrus and Prostate Health: A Review of Benefits, Risks, and Therapeutic Potential

Abstract

The genus Lathyrus, commonly known as vetchlings or sweet peas, includes over 160 species of flowering plants belonging to the Fabaceae (legume) family. While Lathyrus is traditionally recognized for its aesthetic and agricultural value, emerging biomedical research is investigating its biochemical properties and potential health applications, particularly concerning prostate health and urinary tract function.

1. Introduction to Lathyrus

Lathyrus species are legumes native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and parts of South America and Africa. Several species, including Lathyrus sativus (grass pea), Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea), and Lathyrus cicera, have been consumed for centuries, especially during times of drought and famine. However, concerns about neurolathyrism, a neurological disorder linked to excessive consumption of Lathyrus sativus, have historically overshadowed their potential medicinal uses.

2. Phytochemistry of Lathyrus

Studies have identified a variety of bioactive compounds in Lathyrus species, including:

Non-protein amino acids (e.g., β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid or ODAP)
Flavonoids
Lectins
Phenolic acids
Protease inhibitors

These compounds exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and estrogenic modulation properties that are of particular relevance to prostate health (NIH).

3. Lathyrus and Prostate Health

3.1 Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are central to the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. Flavonoids and phenolics in Lathyrus have been shown to:

Scavenge free radicals
Inhibit inflammatory mediators like TNF-α and IL-6
Reduce COX-2 expression in prostate epithelial cells

According to a study published in Phytotherapy Research, these compounds may indirectly suppress prostate tissue hyperplasia and reduce the risk of carcinogenesis by preserving DNA integrity.

3.2 Hormonal Modulation

Certain peptides and phenolic constituents in Lathyrus show mild phytoestrogenic activity, potentially modulating androgen levels. This may contribute to:

Lowered dihydrotestosterone (DHT) synthesis
Decreased prostate-specific antigen (PSA) expression

A 2023 pharmacognostic study on Lathyrus sativus extracts found that oral administration in rodent models led to significant reductions in PSA levels and prostate weight.

4. Lathyrus and Urinary Benefits

Urinary symptoms associated with prostate enlargement include frequent urination, urgency, nocturia, and incomplete bladder emptying. The high fiber and lectin content of Lathyrus may:

Promote diuresis through increased renal blood flow
Improve bladder contractility
Reduce residual urine via neuro-muscular relaxation of the bladder wall

Additionally, phenolic compounds like ferulic acid and caffeic acid found in Lathyrus are known for their smooth muscle relaxant properties, supporting urinary flow (Springer).

5. Ingestion Methods

5.1 Culinary and Traditional Use

Lathyrus sativus seeds are consumed boiled, roasted, or fermented in Indian, African, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Flour from Lathyrus is used in flatbreads, porridges, and soups, especially in subsistence farming communities.

5.2 Nutraceutical and Extract Form

Ethanolic and aqueous extracts are currently being studied in preclinical trials.
Lathyrus protein isolates and hydrolysates are being explored for use in dietary supplements.

Note: Due to the presence of ODAP, only moderate intake and use of low-ODAP cultivars are recommended. Genetic bioengineering efforts are underway to produce Lathyrus strains safe for long-term use (FAO).

6. Toxicological Considerations

While the health benefits are promising, excessive consumption—particularly of Lathyrus sativus—can result in:

Neurolathyrism: a degenerative condition affecting the motor neurons
Spastic paraparesis
Oxidative damage in neurons

Safe dietary thresholds have been defined by international bodies like FAO/WHO, recommending no more than 30% of total dietary protein from Lathyrus sativus to minimize neurotoxic risks.

7. Future Research and Clinical Trials

To date, most of the evidence comes from animal models, in vitro assays, and ethnopharmacological reports. However, Phase I human clinical trials evaluating the effects of Lathyrus extract on BPH symptoms are ongoing in parts of India and China. Researchers are also exploring synergistic effects when Lathyrus extracts are combined with saw palmetto or pygeum africanum.

8. Conclusion

Lathyrus species, especially Lathyrus sativus, offer a rich profile of bioactive compounds that may benefit prostate and urinary health through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hormonal mechanisms. However, caution must be exercised due to potential neurotoxic effects associated with long-term or excessive intake. Ongoing research aims to clarify dosage thresholds, isolate therapeutic compounds, and develop safe nutraceuticals for prostate health applications.

Lathyrus and Prostate Health: A Review of Benefits, Risks, and Therapeutic Potential