Amygdalin, a compound found in apricot kernels, bitter almonds, and some other plants, has been promoted as an alternative cancer treatment, often under the name “Laetrile.” However, its efficacy and safety are highly controversial. Here’s a concise overview based on available evidence:
- Mechanism: Amygdalin contains cyanide, which some claim selectively kills cancer cells by releasing cyanide in the presence of enzymes like beta-glucosidase, supposedly more abundant in tumors. This theory lacks robust scientific support.
- Efficacy: No reliable clinical evidence supports amygdalin as an effective cancer treatment. Studies, including a 1982 clinical trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine, found no significant benefit in cancer patients treated with Laetrile. The National Cancer Institute and other major health organizations state there’s insufficient evidence to recommend it.
- Safety: Amygdalin can be toxic due to cyanide release. Side effects include nausea, dizziness, headache, and, in severe cases, cyanide poisoning, which can be fatal. Combining it with high doses of vitamin C or other substances may increase toxicity.
- Regulatory Status: Amygdalin/Laetrile is not approved by the FDA for cancer treatment in the U.S. and is banned in several countries due to safety concerns. It’s still marketed in some places as a dietary supplement or alternative therapy, often with misleading claims.
- Current Consensus: Major medical bodies, including the American Cancer Society and NIH, warn against its use, citing lack of efficacy and serious risks. Cancer treatment should rely on evidence-based therapies like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy.
