Bitter Almond and Laetrile

by MedlinePlus

Bitter Almond (Prunus amygdalus Batch var. amara (DC.) Focke) and Laetrile

The almond is closely related to the peach, apricot, and cherry (all classified as drupes). Unlike the others, however, the outer layer of the almond is not edible. The edible portion of the almond is the seed. A compound called amygdalin differentiates the bitter almond from the sweet almond. In the presence of water (hydrolysis), amygdalin yields glucose and the chemicals benzaldehyde and hydrocyanic acid (HCN). HCN, the salts of which are known as cyanide, is poisonous. To be used in food or as a flavoring agent, the HCN must be removed from the bitter almond oil. Once it is removed, the oil is called volatile almond oil and is considered to be almost pure benzaldehyde. Volatile almond oil can still be toxic in large amounts.

"Laetrile," an alternative cancer drug marketed in Mexico and other countries outside of the U.S., is derived from amygdalin. Multiple cases of cyanide poisoning, including deaths, have been associated with laetrile therapy.

Synonyms

Aci badem, almendra amara, amande amere, amendoa amarga, amygdala amara , Amygdalis dulcis amara , bitter almond oil, bittere amandel, bittermandel, gorkiy mindal, karvasmanteli, keseru mandula, ku wei bian tao, ku xing ren, lawz murr, mandorla amara, Prunus communis amara , Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb var. amara (DC.) H.E. Moore, Prunus amygalus amara, Rosaceae, volatile almond oil.

Note: Bitter almond should not be confused with "sweet almond." Sweet almond seeds do not contain amygdalin and can be eaten, whereas bitter almonds can be toxic.

Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidence

Cancer (Laetrile)

"Laetrile" is an alternative cancer drug marketed in Mexico and other countries outside of the U.S. Laetrile is derived from amygdalin, found in the pits of fruits and nuts such as the bitter almond. There are multiple animal studies and initial human evidence to suggest that laetrile is not beneficial in the treatment of cancer. In 1982, the U.S. National Cancer Institute concluded that laetrile was not effective for cancer therapy. Nonetheless, many people still travel to use this therapy outside the U.S. Multiple cases of cyanide poisoning, including deaths, have been associated with laetrile therapy.

Uses based on tradition or theory The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-itch,cough suppressant, expectorant, hyperoxia, local anesthetic, muscle relaxant, neuropsychometric symptoms in AIDS patients, pain suppressant, psoriasis, sedative.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Standardization

Standardization involves measuring the amount of certain chemicals in products to try to make different preparations similar to each other. It is not always known if the chemicals being measured are the "active" ingredients. Hydrocyanic acid (HCN), also known as cyanide, is present in bitter almond, and is poisonous. To be used in food or as a flavoring agent, HCN must be removed from bitter almond oil. Once it is removed, the oil is called volatile almond oil. Volatile almond oil can still be toxic in large amounts.

"Laetrile" is an alternative cancer drug marketed in Mexico and other countries outside of the U.S. that can be made from a chemical called amygdalin (present in the pits of fruits and nuts such as bitter almond). Mexico supplies the majority of laetrile that has been used by United States citizens, and standardization has been unreliable. Laetrile samples from Mexico have been tested for strength and contamination, and have been found to include lower concentrations of the compound than labeled, and to be contaminated with other chemicals.

Adults (18 years and older)

Due to potential toxicity, there is no widely accepted standard dose for bitter almond.

Children (younger than 18 years)

Due to potential toxicity, bitter almond products should be avoided in children.

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