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

Overview

Apricot kernel is the hard stone or pit found inside apricots. The kernel is used to produce oil and other chemicals used for medicinal purposes.

Apricot kernel is commonly taken by mouth or given as an injection into the veins for treating cancer. But research shows that apricot kernel is not safe to use and does not seem to help treat cancer.

Apricot kernel extract is used as a flavoring in liqueur.

How does it work ?

Apricot kernel contains a toxic chemical known as amygdalin. In the body this chemical is converted to cyanide, which is poisonous. There was interest in using apricot kernel to fight cancer because it was thought that amygdalin was taken up first by cancer cells and converted to cyanide. It was hoped that the cyanide would harm only the tumor. But research has shown that this is not true. The amygdalin is actually converted to cyanide in the stomach. The cyanide then goes throughout the body, where it can cause serious harm, including death.

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.

Davignon, J. P., Trissel, L. A., and Kleinman, L. M. Pharmaceutical assessment of amygdalin (Laetrile) products. Cancer Treat.Rep. 1978;62(1):99-104. View abstract.

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.

Sadoff, L., Fuchs, K., and Hollander, J. Rapid death associated with laetrile ingestion. JAMA 4-14-1978;239(15):1532. 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

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.

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

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.

Krebs ET Jr. The nitrilosides (vitamin B-17)-their nature, occurrence and metabolic significance (antineoplastic vitamin B-17). Journ Appl Nutr 1970;22(3 and 4):75-8.

Poisonous Plant Database. FDA. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/plantox/detail.cfm?id=15436.

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.

Test Your Knowledge of Vitamins

Chronic Conditions Common in Minorities

Think You Have a Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Navigating Life With Migraine

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.

VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS CENTER

DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS CENTER

FIRST AID RESOURCES

RELATED TO VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS

APRICOT KERNEL

Overview

How does it work ?

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Ineffective for

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions ?

Dosing

You Might Also Like

WebMD Special Sections

Health Solutions

More from WebMD