Nitrilosides

Related Terms

Amygdalin, Armeniaca vulgaris, apricock, apricot kernel, apricot kernel oil, apricot oil, apricot pits, apricot seed, benzaldehyde, cyanophoric glycosides, hydrocyanic acid, ku xing ren (Chinese), Laetrile?, mandelonitrile, mandelonitrile beta-D-gentiobioside, mandelonitrile-beta-glucuronide, prunasin, Prunus (genus), semen Pruni armeniacae, vitamin B17, x?ng r?n (Chinese).

Background

Nitriloside is a generic term for beta-cyanophoric glycosides, a large group of water-soluble, sugar-containing compounds found in a number of plants. Amygdalin (also called laetrile), is one of the most common nitrilosides. Amygdalin is found in the seeds of many fruits, particularly apricots, as well as in grains and grasses.
A patented form of the compound, also called Laetrile?, is a partly man-made molecule and shares only part of the amygdalin structure. Both Laetrile? and amygdalin have been promoted and sold as "vitamin B-17", although neither compound is a vitamin.
Chinese medicine practitioners have used apricot seed as a treatment for respiratory diseases, including bronchitis and emphysema. It is believed to suppress coughs and to help remove mucus. The oil has also been used as a laxative. Small amounts are said to stimulate breathing, improve digestion, and give a sense of well-being. It has also been used to treat rheumatic disease in Germany and high blood pressure in both Germany and the United States.
Laetrile? has been used as a cancer treatment. It was first used for this purpose in Russia in 1845 and later in the United States and Mexico. More recently, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has stated that the use of Laetrile? or amygdalin to treat cancer is not supported by the available scientific evidence. The ACS warns that these compounds may be converted to cyanide in the body. A number of cases of cyanide poisoning associated with Laetrile? have been reported. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has similarly reported that clinical evidence has shown laetrile to be of little benefit against cancer and that its side effects resemble those of cyanide poisoning.
Laetrile? and amygdalin are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for cancer.

Evidence Table

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. GRADE *
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. GRADE *


Reliable scientific evidence supporting the safe and effective use of laetrile as a treatment for cancer is currently lacking. Studies have also found laetrile treatment to be toxic.

 D


Reliable scientific evidence supporting the safe and effective use of laetrile as a treatment for cancer is currently lacking. Studies have also found laetrile treatment to be toxic.

 D
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. 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. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for nitrilosides in adults. Nitrilosides have been taken by mouth as amygdalin/laetrile, Laetrile?, apricot kernel, or apricot seed. Nitrilosides have been injected intravenously as amygdalin. Laetrile? and amygdalin are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for cancer. Cyanide toxicity is a major concern.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Nitrilosides may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Nitrilosides may also interact with antiarrhythmic agents (medications that treat irregular heartbeat).

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Bromley J, Hughes BG, Leong DC, et al. Life-threatening interaction between complementary medicines: cyanide toxicity following ingestion of amygdalin and vitamin C. Ann Pharmacother 2005;39(9):1566-1569.
Davignon JP, Trissel LA, Kleinman LM. Pharmaceutical assessment of amygdalin (Laetrile) products. Cancer Treat Rep 1978;62(1):99-104.
Greenberg DM. The case against laetrile: the fraudulent cancer remedy. Cancer 1980;45(4):799-807.
Milazzo S, Ernst E, Lejeune S, et al. Laetrile treatment for cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006;(2):CD005476.
Milazzo S, Lejeune S, Ernst E. Laetrile for cancer: a systematic review of the clinical evidence. Support Care Cancer 2007;15(6):583-595.
Moertel CG, Ames MM, Kovach JS, et al. A pharmacologic and toxicological study of amygdalin. JAMA 1981;245(6):591-594.
Moertel CG, Fleming TR, Rubin J, et al. A clinical trial of amygdalin (Laetrile) in the treatment of human cancer. N Engl J Med 1982;306(4):201-206.
No authors listed. Unproven methods of cancer management. Laetrile. CA Cancer J Clin 1991;41(3):187-192.
Osterberg S. [Dangerous to eat: apricot seed preparation]. Lakartidningen 1978;75(39):3438.
Rauws AG, Olling M, Timmerman A. The pharmacokinetics of amygdalin. Arch Toxicol 1982;49(3-4):311-319.
Rauws AG, Olling M, Timmerman A. The pharmacokinetics of prunasin, a metabolite of amygdalin. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1982;19(8):851-856.
Rubino MJ, Davidoff F. Cyanide poisoning from apricot seeds. JAMA 1979;241(4):359.
Sadoff L, Fuchs K, Hollander J. Rapid death associated with laetrile ingestion. JAMA 1978;239(15):1532.
Suchard JR, Wallace KL, Gerkin RD. Acute cyanide toxicity caused by apricot kernel ingestion. Ann Emerg Med 1998;32(6):742-744.
Tlirnoveanu C, Popescu E, Negulescu I, et al. [Study of acute poisonings with cyanogenetic substances (apricot seed kernels)]. Rev Pediatr Obstet Ginecol Pediatr 1982;31(3):249-252.