Forgotten plant with power to quell hunger pangs

Archaeologists have discovered that Augustinian monks of Soutra Aisle, south of Edinburgh, used the bitter vetch plant to stop hunger pangs.

They are believed to have chewed tubers, found on the plant's roots, to quash their appetite "for many weeks", according to ancient texts.

The Soutra Aisle hospital, set up in about 1160, was one of the most important medical centres in Scotland.

A Scottish company specialising in natural ingredients has commissioned a report into the plant's ancient uses and is investigating potential modern applications.

Dr Brian Moffatt, the director of the Soutra Aisle dig, said: "We're looking at a plant that has been forgotten, although evidence shows it has been in use for at least seven or eight centuries all over Europe.

"The bitter vetch plant, Lathyrus linifolius, features in any plant book. It is even more remarkable that no-one has heard of its older uses.

"We believe it was traditionally used by peasant farmers who harvested it in case their crops failed. They would eat two or three of the tubers, which are the size of a pea, and they didn't feel hungry. They feel no need to eat and drink and this lasts for weeks, sometimes into months.

"The plant was also handed round in the court of Charles II in 1685, helping people who were living well to diet."

The plant fell out of use in the 1800s with the cultivation of the potato, which was easier to farm.

Archaeologists from the Soutra Aisle dig said there was evidence that the monks cut up the tubers of the plant to make a potion.

Dr Moffat said: "These tiny tubers are eaten two or three at a time. Chewed, they taste of leathery liquorice. According to the 300 reports we've compiled, people forget to eat and drink."

The plant has been referred to as the "miraculous Scottish herb", and now the company Highland Natural Products plans to find out if it lives up to its name.

The company, based in Muir of Ord, provides ingredients for the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries from plants indigenous to the Highlands and Islands.

Yesterday a company spokesman refused to discuss any plans for the use of the plant because the information was "commercially sensitive".

Dr Mike Swaine, a plant science expert at Aberdeen University, said: "Most plants have some sort of use historically in herbalism so this could well be a rediscovery.

"I must say that if you don't drink for days, let alone weeks, or months you will die.

"This plant appears in many books about poisonous specimens but then plenty of poisonous plants are used in medicine in small doses. For example the foxglove is a known heart stimulant."

As well as warding off hunger, the plant was also used as a flavouring in food and drink.