Amygdalin

Nitrilosides/Drug Interactions:

  • Antiarrhythmic agentsAntiarrhythmic agents: Palpitations have been reported with amygdalin supplementation, according to secondary sources. Slow pulse has also been noted anecdotally.
  • AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: Hypotension has been reported with amygdalin supplementation, according to secondary sources.

    • Nitrilosides/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • AntiarrhythmicsAntiarrhythmics: Palpitations have been reported with amygdalin supplementation, according to secondary sources. Slow pulse has also been noted anecdotally.
  • HypotensivesHypotensives: Hypotension has been reported with amygdalin supplementation, according to secondary sources.
  • Vitamin CVitamin C: According to a case report, an initial dose of 3g of amygdalin administered to a woman taking 4,800mg of vitamin C daily led to severe cyanide poisoning (5). Vitamin C is known to increase conversion of amygdalin to cyanide in vitro and reduce body stores of cysteine, which is used to detoxify cyanide.

    • Nitrilosides/Food Interactions:

  • Beta-glucosidase-containing foodsBeta-glucosidase-containing foods: Beta-glucosidase, one of several enzymes that catalyze the release of cyanide from amygdalin, is present in the human small intestine and many common foods. Toxicity studies in rats have shown orally supplemented amygdalin to release significant amounts of cyanide (1). Theoretically, consumption of foods rich in glucosidase concomitantly with amygdalin supplementation may raise the risk of cyanide poisoning.
  • Vitamin C-containing foodsVitamin C-containing foods: According to a case report, an initial dose of 3g of amygdalin administered to a woman taking 4,800mg of vitamin C daily led to severe cyanide poisoning (5). Vitamin C is known to increase conversion of amygdalin to cyanide in vitro and reduce body stores of cysteine, which is used to detoxify cyanide.

    • Nitrilosides/Lab Interactions:

  • Blood cyanideBlood cyanide: In clinical study, cancer patients treated with amygdalin had blood cyanide levels approaching the lethal range (2).
  • Blood pressureBlood pressure: Hypotension has been reported with amygdalin supplementation, according to secondary sources.
  • Heart rateHeart rate: Palpitations have been reported with amygdalin supplementation, according to secondary sources. Slow pulse has also been noted anecdotally.
  • Thiocyanate levelsThiocyanate levels: Increased blood thiocyanate levels have also been documented, according to secondary sources.