Amygdalin is a substance similar to vitamin B and is found naturally in about 1,200 plants world-wide. It can be found in large amounts in apricot kernels and almonds and particularly bitter apricot kernels and bitter almonds which contain 3 - 5% amygdalin.
It was formerly known as vitamin B7. It contains an inactive form of hydrogen cyanide (Prussic acid), which is not harmful to healthy cells because the cyanide is neutralized by the enzyme, rhodanese. However, it has a poisonous effect on cancer cells because they have a high content of the enzyme beta glucoronidase, which activates the Prussic acid, and because they lack rhodanese.
Amygdalin is also known as Laetrile. The name is short for LAEvo-rotary mandeloniTRILE beta glucoside, which is one of the biologically active substances in almonds and apricot kernels.
Moreover, it is the name of a commercial, specially treated extract from apricot kernels, made by the biochemist Ernst T. Krebs in the late 1940s. It is still used in cancer treatment both in the form of pills and as injection.
Another commercial variety of amygdalin is Mandelotrinil, which was used for many years by the well-known late dr. Hans Nieper in Germany.
The use of and the theory behind amygdalin preparations in cancer treatment is highly controversial.
RDA
Not set.
Richest natural sources
Apricot kernels, fruit kernels/seeds from all fruits of the botanic family of Rosaceae.
Therapeutic dosage
Amygdalin: 250 to 1,000 mg. a day.
Fresh sweet almonds: 500 g. a day.
To be taken on an empty stomach between meals.
Symptoms of overdosing
Is related to cyanid poisoning; i.e. nausea, vomiting, drop in blood pressure, dizziness, muslce weakness, breath smelling like bitter almonds, blueish skin caused by oxygen deficiency, and coma.
Caution
The problem of using almonds and apricot kernels in the treatment of cancer is not knowing the exact amount of active substances contained in the fruit kernels. Bitter almonds and bitter apricot kernels, moreover, are poisonous and an overdose can be life threatening. Do not take amygdalin/Laetrile together with almonds or apricot kernels.
Please note
Shop Vita Viva does not sell Amygdalin - B17.
