The genus Lathyrus has been a gold mine for researchers as it abounds in a variety of unusual amino acids and related compounds .These compounds have attracted the attention of  a number of researchers the world over for their interesting chemical ,pharmacological  and toxicological properties .                                                           

                          My own interests have been focussed on Lathyrus sativus a very hardy crop whose consumption by humans in several parts of the world has been responsible for the crippling disorder neurolathyrism and   β-N-Oxalyl-L- α,ß -diaminopropionic acid(ODAP/BOAA) the unusual amino acid associated with it.

            While my own active research career has come to a slow pace,I still  keep getting requests for ODAP.There is still a need for further research with ODAP and with the plant itself like harnessing its enormous potential to fix Nitogen.Realizng these I have taken up a small commercial venture and would be willing to supply ODAP and other related amino acids from Lathyrus species to bonafide users for a small price.In due course I expect to bring down the cost of these compounds to some extent.