Amygdalin – Food Source, Health Benefits

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Amygdalin is found in almond. Bitter glycoside of the Rosaceae, found especially in kernels of cherries, peaches, and apricots. Amygdalin is present in cold-pressed bitter almond oil from the above sources prior to enzymic hydrolysis and steam distillation for food use Amygdalin, C20H27NO11, is a...

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Article Summary

Amygdalin is found in almond. Bitter glycoside of the Rosaceae, found especially in kernels of cherries, peaches, and apricots. Amygdalin is present in cold-pressed bitter almond oil from the above sources prior to enzymic hydrolysis and steam distillation for food use Amygdalin, C20H27NO11, is a glycoside initially isolated from the seeds of the tree Prunus dulcis, also known as bitter almonds, by Pierre-Jean Robiquet and...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Food Source of Amygdalin in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Health Benefits of Vitamin B17 in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Questions and Answers About Laetrile/Amygdalin in simple medical language.
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Definition

Amygdalin is found in almond. Bitter glycoside of the Rosaceae, found especially in kernels of cherries, peaches, and apricots. Amygdalin is present in cold-pressed bitter almond oil from the above sources prior to enzymic hydrolysis and steam distillation for food use Amygdalin, C20H27NO11, is a glycoside initially isolated from the seeds of the tree Prunus dulcis, also known as bitter almonds, by Pierre-Jean Robiquet and A. F. Boutron-Charlard in 1803, and subsequently investigated by Liebig and Wohler in 1830, and others. Several other related species in the genus of Prunus, including apricot (Prunus armeniaca) and black cherry (Prunus serotina), also contain amygdalin. It was promoted as a cancer cure by Ernst T. Krebs under the name “Vitamin B17“, but studies have found it to be ineffective. Amygdalin is sometimes confounded with laevomandelonitrile, also called laetrile for short; however, amygdalin and laetrile are different chemical compounds.

Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glucoside isolated from almonds and seeds of other plants of the family Rosaceae. Amygdalin is converted by plant emulsion (a combination of a-glucosidase and a nitrilase) or hydrochloric acid into benzaldehyde, D-glucose, and hydrocyanic acid. (NCI04)

Vitamin B17 in its most natural form is called Amygdalin. It is a natural compound of crystalline chemical nature and bitter taste. Amygdalin is a Greek word derived from almonds because it was first extracted from bitter almonds in 1830. A theory by an ancient embryologist, John Beard, supports the fact that cancer is actually caused by the unwanted and unpredicted growth of those cells which lead to placenta genesis. Vitamin B17 (Amygdalin) has an inbuilt tendency to counter such malicious cells without harming normal cells. Another theory by Ernest T. Krebs Jr. claims that cancer is caused by the deficiency of Vitamin B17. These theories are not confirmed but enclose a strong message that Vitamin B17/Amygdalin possesses enhanced anti-cancer and therapeutic properties. B17 Vitamin Benefits were well recognized in ancient times also for curing various kinds of skin cancers. It was primarily used by Egyptians and Chinese for therapeutic practices.

Food Source of Amygdalin

Amygdalin is found in almonds. Bitter glycoside of the Rosaceae is found especially in kernels of cherries, peaches, and apricots. Amygdalin is present in cold-pressed bitter almond oil from the above sources prior to enzymic hydrolysis and steam distillation for food use Amygdalin, C20H27NO11, is a glycoside initially isolated from the seeds of the tree Prunus dulcis, also known as bitter almonds, by Pierre-Jean Robiquet and A. F. Boutron-Charlard in 1803, and subsequently investigated by Liebig and Wohler in 1830, and others. Several other related species in the genus of Prunus, including apricot (Prunus armeniaca) and black cherry (Prunus serotina), also contain amygdalin. It was promoted as a cancer cure by Ernst T. Krebs under the name “Vitamin B17“, but studies have found it to be ineffective. Amygdalin is sometimes confounded with laevomandelonitrile, also called laetrile for short; however, amygdalin and laetrile are different chemical compounds.

It has been established that there are more than 1200 plant species that are the natural storehouses of Vitamin B17. The prominent natural Vitamin B17 sources have been enlisted below [Figure 1].

Amygdalin - Food Source, Health Benefits

A study namely “Amygdalin: Toxicity, Anticancer Activity, and Analytical Procedures for Its Determination in Plant Seeds” done by Ewa Jaszczak-Wilke et al. claim that the anti-cancer activity of apricot sourced Vitamin B17 is higher than its other sources. This is because the amount of hydrogen cyanide produced during enzymatic hydrolysis of apricot sourced amygdalin is higher than that of the amygdalin from the other sources. This hydrogen cyanide is the prime reason behind the anti-cancer activity of amygdalin as it causes selective toxicity of cancer cells. Our 100% Natural Vitamin B17 is pure Amygdalin extracted purely from apricot kernels.

Health Benefits of Vitamin B17

There are numerous B17 Vitamin Benefits that dignify its therapeutic value in the world of nutrition. The predominant benefits of Vitamin B17 are enlisted below:

Anti-cancer Action

Vitamin B17 possess a huge therapeutic tendency against cancer especially prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer because of the following properties:

  1. Programmed cell death of tumor cells
  2.   Selective induction of toxicity in tumor cells
  3. Inhibition of cancer spread
  4. Inhibition of cancer cell proliferation
  5.  Eliminating cancer-causing agents from the body
  6.  Causing cancer cell starvation

Immunizer

  • By enhancing the ability of body cells to produce white blood cells, it increases the body’s immunity towards disease-causing agents.

Pain Killer

  • By reducing certain inflammatory agents and pathways, Vitamin B17 very effectively provides pain-killing effects in case of infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation-associated stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">arthritis, general body pains, Endometriosis, Dry-Eye Syndrome, and Liver injury issues.

Blood pressure Optimizer

  • By synthesizing Thiocyanate which is a strong blood pressure lowering agent, it very efficiently manages high blood pressure issues in the body.

Lung Ailments Relief

  • By relieving and calming the respiratory malfunctioning, Vitamin B17 exhibits anti-asthmatic and antitussive activity. This helps in managing lung ailments like Asthma, Bronchitis, Emphysema, etc. very efficiently.

Detoxification

  • It detoxifies the body by eliminating toxins released from liver cells and optimizes liver activity.

How Should You Consume Vitamin B17?

  • The Vitamin B17 supplements can be administered via oral as well as parenteral (Intravenous) route following a set metabolic therapy. The apricot-based Vitamin B17 consumption should gradually be increased to higher doses. According to Dr. Manner, it is better to take fruits rich in pancreatic enzymes and Vitamin C along with Vitamin B17 for cancer. To bring health back to the body, one must add Vitamin D3, bone meal, beets, Chaga, grape seeds, kombucha tea, and shiitake mushrooms to the B17 regime.
  • The recommended quantity of its consumption varies depending upon a person’s past and current health status. Low BP patients should not go for high doses at all. The predetermined dosage of Vitamin B17 Amygdalin 500mg is the most recommended preparation for the best therapeutic benefits. But it is advised to go for Vitamin B17 only under medical supervision and start with minimum doses.

Questions and Answers About Laetrile/Amygdalin

  1. What is laetrile (amygdalin)?

    Laetrile is a compound that has been used as a treatment for people with cancer. Laetrile is another name for amygdalin. Amygdalin is a bitter substance found in fruit pits, such as apricots, raw nuts, lima beans, clover, and sorghum. It makes hydrogen cyanide which is changed into cyanide when taken into the body. Hydrogen cyanide is thought to kill cancer cells. Laetrile is also called Vitamin B-17, although it has not been approved as a vitamin by the American Institute of Nutrition Vitamins.

  2. How is laetrile given?

    Laetrile is given by mouth (orally) as a pill. It can also be given by injection into a vein (intravenous) or muscle (intramuscular). Laetrile is commonly given intravenously at first, then orally as maintenance therapy (treatment given to help extend the benefit of previous therapy).

    Laetrile treatments are given in Mexico and some U.S. clinics. Sometimes laetrile is given in combination with a metabolic therapy program (special diet, high-dose vitamins, and pancreatic enzymes).

  3. Have any laboratory or animal studies been done using laetrile?

    In laboratory studies, tumor cells are used to test a substance to find out if it is likely to have any anticancer effects. In animal studies, tests are done to see if a drug, procedure, or treatment is safe and effective in animals. Laboratory and animal studies are done before a substance is tested in people.

    Laboratory and animal studies have tested the effects of laetrile in laboratory experiments. See the Laboratory/Animal/Preclinical Studies section of the health professional version of Laetrile/Amygdalin for information on laboratory and animal studies done using laetrile.

  4. Have any studies of laetrile been done in people?

    No controlled clinical trials (trials that compare groups of patients who receive the new treatment to groups who do not) of laetrile have been reported. Anecdotal reports and case reports have not shown laetrile to be an effective treatment for cancer.

    Benzaldehyde, which is made when laetrile is broken down by the body, has been tested for anticancer activity in people. In two clinical series, patients with advanced cancer who had not responded to standard therapy were treated with benzaldehyde. Some patients had a complete response, while some had a decrease in tumor size. The response to benzaldehyde only lasted during treatment. Most of the patients had been treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

    The National Cancer Institute requested case reports from practitioners who believed their patients were helped by treatment with laetrile. An expert panel concluded that 2 of 67 patients had complete responses and 4 had a decrease in tumor size.

    Findings from 2 clinical trials conducted by the National Cancer Institute reported the following:

    • A phase I study tested doses, schedules, and ways to give amygdalin in 6 cancer patients. Researchers found that amygdalin caused very few side effects at the prescribed doses when given by mouth or intravenously. Two patients who ate raw almonds while taking amygdalin had side effects.
    • A phase II study with 175 patients looked at what types of cancer might benefit from treatment with amygdalin. Most of the patients in this study had breast, colon, or lung cancer. In about half of the patients, cancer had grown by the end of the treatment. Cancer had grown in all patients 7 months after treatment ended. Patients reported improved symptoms, such as the ability to work or do other activities. These improvements did not last after treatment ended.
  5. Have any side effects or risks been reported from laetrile?

    The side effects of laetrile treatment include the following:

    • Nausea and vomiting.
    • pain in the head or upper neck. সহজ বাংলা: মাথাব্যথা।" data-rx-term="headache" data-rx-definition="Headache means pain in the head or upper neck. সহজ বাংলা: মাথাব্যথা।">Headache.
    • Dizziness.
    • The blue color of the skin is caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood.
    • Liver damage.
    • Very low blood pressure.
    • Droopy upper eyelid.
    • Trouble walking caused by damaged nerves.
    • Fever.
    • Confusion.
    • Coma.
    • Death.

    The side effects of laetrile depend on the way it is given. Side effects are worse when laetrile is given by mouth. While taking laetrile, side effects get worse when:

    • Eating raw almonds or crushed fruit pits.
    • Eating certain types of fruits and vegetables, such as celery, peaches, bean sprouts, and carrots.
    • Taking high doses of vitamin C.
  6. Is laetrile approved by the FDA for use as a cancer treatment in the United States?

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved laetrile as a treatment for cancer or any other medical condition. Laetrile is made in Mexico. The way that laetrile is made is not regulated by the FDA, so batches of laetrile may vary in purity and contents.

Miracle Farming Bitter Apricot Seeds / Kernels, California USA Grown, Pesticide and Herbicide-Free, Non GMO, Vegan, Raw & Large, The Best Natural Source of Vitamin B17, In an Easy Resealable Pouch (1LB)
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Miracle Farming Bitter Apricot Seeds / Kernels, California USA Grown, Pesticide and Herbicide-Free, Non GMO, Vegan, Raw & Large, The Best Natural Source of Vitamin B17, In an Easy Resealable Pouch (1LB)
  • ✔️BITTER, BIGGER, BETTER, MORE POTENT: Bitterness is the medicinal nature of high potency B17 found in genuine bitter apricot seeds. The more bitter, the better the nutrients. B17 has a numbing taste. No bitterness, means no B17. You may not like the bitter taste of bitter apricot seeds, if so, try mixing it in shakes, smoothies, juices etc. to disguise the taste.
  • ✔️GREAT NATURAL SOURCE OF VITAMIN B17 (Amygdalin): Amygdalin is most notably found in bitter apricot seeds/kernels. Bitter apricot seeds are a great source of vitamins, protein and minerals.
  • ✔️INTEGRITY, QUALITY, AND SAFETY COMPLIANCE: Grown in California, Certified pesticide and herbicide-free.
  • ✔️FRESH, NATURAL, VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE: Pesticide and herbicide-free, unpasteurized and not sun dried, steamed or cooked to ensure maximum effectiveness. Professionally packed in a resealable bag for easy access and storage. Sealed to keep freshness and quality. Store sealed in cool, dry place.
  • ✔️USAGE RECOMMENDATION: The recommended usage is one apricot kernel to 10 lbs. body weight per day. 3 to 5 kernels per use, unless stated otherwise by a nutritionist / health care professional. Every pack has one pound which will last for months depending on usage. Consult your health care provider if you have a serious condition.

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Questions to ask
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Care roadmap for: Amygdalin – Food Source, Health Benefits

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

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