Laetrile

Related Terms

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 amygalus amara, Prunus communis amara, Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb var. amara (DC.) H.E. Moore, Rosaceae (family), 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.

Background

The almond is closely related to the peach, apricot, and cherry (all classified as drupes). The most commonly used portion of the almond is the nut. 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.

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 *


"Laetrile" is an alternative cancer drug marketed in Mexico and other countries outside of the United States. Laetrile is derived from amygdalin, found in the pits of fruits and nuts such as the bitter almond. Early evidence suggests 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 United States. Multiple cases of cyanide poisoning, including deaths, have been associated with laetrile therapy.

 D


"Laetrile" is an alternative cancer drug marketed in Mexico and other countries outside of the United States. Laetrile is derived from amygdalin, found in the pits of fruits and nuts such as the bitter almond. Early evidence suggests 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 United States. Multiple cases of cyanide poisoning, including deaths, have been associated with laetrile therapy.

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

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
In theory, bitter almond may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery. Avoid the use of alcohol as almond oil was shown in mice to cause a toxic reaction (nausea, vomiting, increased breathing, sweating) when taken with alcohol.
Amygdalin, bitter almond, and laetrile may also interact with analgesics (pain-relievers), central nervous system (CNS) depressants, agents that suppress or stimulate the immune system, and agents that are excreted through the kidneys. However, human evidence is lacking.

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

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Beamer WC, Shealy RM, Prough DS. Acute cyanide poisoning from laetrile ingestion. Ann Emerg Med 1983;12(7):449-451.
Chan TY. A probable case of amygdalin-induced peripheral neuropathy in a vegetarian with vitamin B12 deficiency. Ther Drug Monit 2006;28(1):140-141.
Chang LW, Zhu HP, Li WB, et al. [Protective effects of amygdalin on hyperoxia-exposed type II alveolar epithelial cells isolated from premature rat lungs in vitro]. Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi 2005 Feb;43(2):118-23.
Gill JR, Marker E, Stajic M. Suicide by cyanide: 17 deaths. Journal of Forensic Sciences. 2004 Jul;49(4):826-8.
Hamada A, Yoshioka S, Takuma D, et al. The effect of Eriobotrya japonica seed extract on oxidative stress in adriamycin-induced nephropathy in rats. Biol Pharm Bull 2004 Dec;27(12):1961-4.
Liegner KB, Beck EM, Rosenberg A. Laetrile-induced agranulocytosis. JAMA 1981 Dec 18;246(24):2841-2842.
Milazzo S, Ernst E, Lejeune S, et al. Laetrile treatment for cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006;(2):CD005476.
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 Jan 28;306(4):201-206.
Moss RW. Patient perspectives: Tijuana cancer clinics in the post-NAFTA era. Integr Cancer Ther 2005 Mar;4(1):65-86.
Shragg TA, Albertson TE, Fisher CJ, Jr. Cyanide poisoning after bitter almond ingestion. West J Med 1982;136(1):65-69.
Vickers A. Alternative cancer cures: "unproven" or "disproven"? CA Cancer J Clin 2004 Mar-Apr;54(2):110-8.
Vickers AJ, Kuo J, Cassileth BR. Unconventional anticancer agents: a systematic review of clinical trials. J Clin Oncol 1-1-2006;24(1):136-140.
Willhite CC. Congenital malformations induced by laetrile. Science 1982 March 19;215(4539):1513-1515.
Zhu H, Chang L, Li W, et al. Effect of amygdalin on the proliferation of hyperoxia-exposed type II alveolar epithelial cells isolated from premature rat. J Huazhong Univ Sci Technolog Med Sci. 2004;24(3):223-5.