APRICOT KERNEL: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Apricot kernel is the seed found inside the apricot pit. It contains a chemical called amygdalin, which the body turns into cyanide. It can be toxic.

Amygdalin from apricot kernel and a semi-synthetic form of amygdalin known as laetrile were once marketed to fight cancer, but research has shown that they don't help. Laetrile and amygdalin are not approved by the US FDA for any use. Amygdalin is converted into cyanide in the stomach.

People use apricot kernel for treating cancer, but there is no good scientific evidence to support this use. It is also unsafe when consumed in larger amounts. Purified apricot kernel extract or oil are sometimes used in topical products and to flavor liquors.

View References

REFERENCES:

Ames, M. M., Moyer, T. P., Kovach, J. S., Moertel, C. G., and Rubin, J. Pharmacology of amygdalin (laetrile) in cancer patients. Cancer Chemother.Pharmacol 1981;6(1):51-57. View abstract.

Chandeler, R. F. et al. Laetrile in Perspective. Can Pharm J 1984;117:517.

Greenberg, D. M. The case against laetrile: the fraudulent cancer remedy. Cancer 2-15-1980;45(4):799-807. View abstract.

Milazzo, S., Ernst, E., Lejeune, S., and Schmidt, K. Laetrile treatment for cancer. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev 2006;(2):CD005476. View abstract.

Milazzo, S., Lejeune, S., and Ernst, E. Laetrile for cancer: a systematic review of the clinical evidence. Support.Care Cancer 2007;15(6):583-595. View abstract.

Moertel, C. G., Ames, M. M., Kovach, J. S., Moyer, T. P., Rubin, J. R., and Tinker, J. H. A pharmacologic and toxicological study of amygdalin. JAMA 2-13-1981;245(6):591-594. View abstract.

Moertel, C. G., Fleming, T. R., Rubin, J., Kvols, L. K., Sarna, G., Koch, R., Currie, V. E., Young, C. W., Jones, S. E., and Davignon, J. P. A clinical trial of amygdalin (Laetrile) in the treatment of human cancer. N.Engl.J.Med. 1-28-1982;306(4):201-206. View abstract.

Osterberg, S. [Dangerous to eat: apricot seed preparation]. Lakartidningen 9-27-1978;75(39):3438. View abstract.

Rauws, A. G., Olling, M., and Timmerman, A. The pharmacokinetics of amygdalin. Arch Toxicol. 1982;49(3-4):311-319. View abstract.

Rauws, A. G., Olling, M., and Timmerman, A. The pharmacokinetics of prunasin, a metabolite of amygdalin. J Toxicol.Clin Toxicol. 1982;19(8):851-856. View abstract.

Rubino, M. J. and Davidoff, F. Cyanide poisoning from apricot seeds. JAMA 1-26-1979;241(4):359. View abstract.

Suchard, J. R., Wallace, K. L., and Gerkin, R. D. Acute cyanide toxicity caused by apricot kernel ingestion. Ann.Emerg.Med. 1998;32(6):742-744. View abstract.

Tlirnoveanu, C., Popescu, E., Negulescu, I., Georgescu, M. I., Cighir, R., Calarasu, M., and Azzola, M. [Study of acute poisonings with cyanogenetic substances (apricot seed kernels)]. Rev.Pediatr.Obstet.Ginecol.Pediatr. 1982;31(3):249-252. View abstract.

Unproven methods of cancer management. Laetrile. CA Cancer J Clin 1991;41(3):187-192. View abstract.

Anon. FDA takes action against firms marketing unapproved drugs. FDA. 2000. https://web.archive.org/web/20001017134529/https://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/ANS01032.html

Anon. Laetrile (Amygdalin, other Names). FDA. 1987. Available at: www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_167.html.

Anon. Postscript on laetrile. FDA. 1987. Available at: https://web.archive.org/web/19970506021729/https://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/ANS00309.html

Apricot Kernels (Bitter and Sweet). Food Safety Authority of Ireland. 2017. Available at: https://www.fsai.ie/faq/apricot_kernels.html.

Chaouali N, Gana I, Dorra A, et al. Potential toxic levels of cyanide in almonds (Prunus amygdalus), apricot kernels (Prunus armeniaca), and almond syrup. ISRN Toxicol. 2013;2013:610648. View abstract.

Committee on Toxicity (COT) of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products, and the Environment. Statement on cyanogenic glycosides in bitter apricot kernels. December 2006. Available at: https://cot.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/cot/cotstatementapricot200615.pdf

EFSA CONTAM Panel (EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain). Scientific opinion on the acute health risks related to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides in raw apricot kernels and products derived from raw apricot kernels. EFSA Journal 2016;14(4):4424,47 pp. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4424.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182

Graham J, Traylor J. Cyanide Toxicity. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021. View abstract.

Health Canada sets new cyanide limit to mitigate risks associated with eating apricot kernels. 2020. Health Canada: Recalls and Alerts. Available at: https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2020/72195a-eng.php

Konstantatos A, Shiv Kumar M, Burrell A, Smith J. An unusual presentation of chronic cyanide toxicity from self-prescribed apricot kernel extract. BMJ Case Rep. 2017;2017. View abstract.

Kopceková J, Kováciková E, Kovácik A, et al. Consumption of bitter apricot seeds affects lipid and endocrine profile in women. J Environ Sci Health B. 2021;56(4):378-386. View abstract.

Risk profile Apricot kernel oil. CAS No . 72869-69-3. 2013. Available at: https://www.mattilsynet.no/kosmetikk/stoffer_i_kosmetikk/risk_profile_apricotekerne.11323/binary/Risk%20Profile%20ApricoteKerne

Seghers L, Walenbergh-van Veen M, Salome J, Hamberg P. Cyanide intoxication by apricot kernel ingestion as complimentary cancer therapy. Neth J Med 2013;71(9):496-8. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

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APRICOT KERNEL - Uses, Side Effects, and More

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