1.Department Of Biochemistry, SASTRA University, Tamil Nadu, India. 2.Mahatma Gandhi Medical College And Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Puducherry – South India
ABSTRACT Amygdalin/Vitamin B17/Laetrile is a cyanogenic diglucoside, an active ingredient of several fruit pits and rawnuts was thought to possess anti-cancer properties. Amygdalin is contained in a few stone fruit kernels, such as apricot bitter almond, peach and plum and in the seeds of the apple.
Even though there are a few animal and human studies which demonstrate the benefits of amygdalin in cancer, these are not well established in randomized clinical trials. When considering the other diseases like hypertension, pain, and bronchial asthma the role of Laetrile needs to be explored by using this drug as a supplement to regular therapeutic strategies. But as such the intake of apricot kernels and apple seeds should not be discouraged for fear of amygdalin toxicity in view of their other nutritional benefits.
Keywords: laetrile, amygdalin, vitamin B17, ISSN: 0975-8585
