Amygdalin – definition, action and applications

What is Amygdalin?

Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside which occurs mainly in the stones of fruits such as apricots, cherries and peaches, as well as in some other plant seeds. From a chemical point of view, amygdalin consists of a glucose molecule bound to cyanide, which on decomposition can release cyanide, a substance that is highly toxic to the human body.

Amygdalin performs a protective function in plants, protecting them against pests and diseases. In plant organisms it undergoes enzymatic decomposition, releasing cyanide, which may pose a threat if it enters the human body.

Mechanism of action of Amygdalin

After ingestion, amygdalin is digested in animal organisms (including humans), where it breaks down into three components: cyanide, benzaldehyde and glucose. Cyanide is the most toxic component of this reaction, because it blocks the enzymes responsible for the transport of oxygen at the cellular level. This can lead to hypoxia and damage to cells, including those that constitute important elements of the body, such as nerve cells or muscle cells.

Although cyanide is present in small amounts in plant organisms, consuming larger quantities of stones containing amygdalin can lead to serious side effects that endanger health.

Risks associated with Amygdalin

Consuming large amounts of amygdalin can lead to poisoning with cyanide, which is a highly toxic substance. In the event of an overdose of amygdalin, serious symptoms of poisoning may appear, including:

• Headaches,
• Dizziness,
• Nausea and vomiting,
• Breathing problems,
• Changes in heart rhythm.

Cyanide poisoning is particularly dangerous and can lead to coma or death, which is why any supplementation with amygdalin should take place under the strict supervision of a doctor.

Health-promoting properties of Amygdalin

Amygdalin is advertised in alternative medicine as “vitamin B17”, whose alleged properties include supporting the treatment of cancer and improving general health. Supporters of this agent claim that it can eliminate cancer cells thanks to the release of cyanide, which would selectively destroy tumour cells.

However, the absence of reliable clinical trials confirming the efficacy of amygdalin in the treatment of cancer has meant that its use in oncology is controversial and not recommended. Although amygdalin may show some antioxidant action, its potential benefits in the treatment of cancer have not been confirmed in any sound scientific study.

Amygdalin and the brain

Research on the effect of amygdalin on the nervous system is limited, but there are suggestions that the cyanide released from amygdalin may affect the functioning of the brain. Cyanide blocks the activity of the enzymes responsible for transporting oxygen to cells, which can lead to damage to neurons and to a weakening of cognitive functions. The symptoms of cyanide poisoning include dizziness and memory disturbances, and in extreme cases they may lead to brain damage.

The use of Amygdalin in medicine

Amygdalin was widely used in alternative therapy in the 1970s, particularly in the so-called Laetrile therapy, the aim of which was to treat cancer. However, after numerous clinical trials which did not confirm the efficacy of this therapy, and after the risk of cyanide poisoning had been identified, the therapy was withdrawn in many countries, including the United States.

Today, despite the lack of confirmation of its efficacy in the treatment of cancer, amygdalin is still available on the market in the form of dietary supplements. Because of the risk associated with its use, in many countries supplements containing amygdalin are regulated or banned.

In sport and supplementation

Amygdalin is also sometimes used in dietary supplements intended to improve the performance of the body and to support the treatment of cancer. It should be remembered, however, that its use involves a risk, particularly in the context of the release of cyanide. In sport, where health and safety are a priority, its use may lead to serious consequences, including poisoning.

For this reason, if you are considering supplementation with amygdalin, always consult a doctor or a nutrition specialist in order to avoid the risk of poisoning and possible side effects.

Safety of use of Amygdalin

The use of amygdalin in large doses is dangerous and can lead to cyanide poisoning. The symptoms of poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing and, in the case of the consumption of large amounts – coma and death.

In order to avoid the risk, supplements containing amygdalin should be used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, and before starting any supplementation it is worth consulting a doctor.

Summary

Amygdalin, although it occurs naturally in many fruits, is a controversial substance whose consumption involves the risk of cyanide poisoning. Although in the past it was advertised as an alternative cancer therapy, the lack of evidence of its efficacy in this area means that its use is controversial and not recommended in the treatment of cancer. In every case, before starting supplementation with amygdalin, a doctor should be consulted.

My name is Dorota Wątróbska-Świetlikowska, I am a pharmacist and a scientist with a postdoctoral degree (habilitation) in pharmaceutical sciences. I decided to combine my scientific knowledge and my experience in order to create dietary supplements of the highest quality.

My passion and main area of research are submicron dispersed systems, such as submicron emulsions, liposomes and lipospheres. After obtaining my doctorate I turned my attention to the practical aspects of parenteral nutrition, combining the needs of the patient with the possibilities available to the pharmacist. Quality, safety and efficacy are the most important things for me, which is visible both in my scientific work and in my approach to creating Dwatro Laboratories® supplements.