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Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía

2012, Number 1

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Arch Neurocien 2012; 17 (1)

Are tropical ataxic neuropathy and Konzo associated with excessive cassava consumption?

Rivadeneyra-Domínguez E, Rodríguez-Landa JF, Salas-Montero DR

Language: Spanish
References: 51
Page: 45-52
PDF size: 108.92 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a native plant from Latin America that is mainly used as food. However, it contains cyanogenic compounds that have been associated with neurological diseases, such as tropical ataxic neuropathy and Konzo. The aim of this paper was to conduct a critical review of the literature to describe the nutritional properties of cassava, provide epidemiological data present neurotoxic effects, and discuss the possible relationship to neurological diseases such as tropical ataxic neuropathy and Konzo. We reviewed (the Scopus,Embase, PubMed and Elsevier) databases and local libraries to analyze articles in English, French and Spanish published between 1964 and 2010. The analysis showed that in unprotected populations of developing countries, food-derived diets rely on easy and economical crops, such as cassava, but this plant contains cyanogenic compounds that exert neurotoxic effects that appear to predispose an individual to neurological disease when it is consumed in abundance or inadequately prepared. These diseases are often endemic in African countries, but Latin America, may also be affected because the consumption and cultivation of cassava has increased in this region in recent yeras. In conclusion, cassava can be an alternative food source in developing countries, but considering its possible association with neurological diseases, additional studies are necessary to avoid the possible health problems associated with its consumption.


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