Linamarin (2-hydroxyisobutylrnitrile-β- D-glucose) is the cyanogenic glycoside found in what type of plant?
Unprocessed cassava root
Consumed linamarin in unprocessed cassava root is hydrolyzed to cyanohydrin by intestinal β-glucosidases. Cyanohydrin then dissociates to cyanide in the alkaline environment of the small intestine. Chronic consumption of unprocessed cassava root can result in Konzo, which is defined by sudden and symmetric spastic paralysis affecting lower extremities more than upper extremities.
Vetter J. Plant cyanogenic glycosides. Toxicon. 2000 Jan;38(1):11-36. doi: 10.1016/s0041-0101(99)00128-2. PMID: 10669009.
Kambale KJ, Ali ER, Sadiki NH, Kayembe KP, Mvumbi LG, Yandju DL, Boivin MJ, Boss GR, Stadler DD, Lambert WE, Lasarev MR, Okitundu LA, Mumba Ngoyi D, Banea JP, Tshala-Katumbay DD. Lower sulfurtransferase detoxification rates of cyanide in konzo-A tropical spastic paralysis linked to cassava cyanogenic poisoning. Neurotoxicology. 2017 Mar;59:256-262. doi: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.05.016. Epub 2016 May 28. PMID: 27246648; PMCID: PMC5125906.
Submitted by: Emily Kershner, MD on behalf of The Medical Toxicology Fellowship Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA