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:

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

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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.

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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

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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

Overview

How does it work ?

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Ineffective for

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions ?

Dosing

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