Assay of amygdalin dosage forms from Mexico

Kinetic analysis of hexose transport to determine the mechanism of amygdalin and prunasin absorption in the intestine

Evidence is accumulating that glucose-conjugated compounds may be carried across the gut mucosa via the epithelial sodium-dependent monosaccharide transporter SGLT1. A modification of the everted intestinal sac technique was utilized to study the transport of the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin (D-mandelonitrile beta-D-gentiobioside) and its metabolite D-mandelontrile beta-D-glucoside (prunasin). Everted sacs of rat jejunum and ileum were bathed in isotonic oxygenated sodium chloride-potassium phosphate buffer containing 2.8 microCi D-[(3)H]-mannose and 0.187 microCi D-[(14)C]-glucose. For treatment groups, buffers contained phloridzin, galactose, amygdalin or prunasin. The rate constant (k) for the transport process was calculated. Compared with the control (n = 33), phloridzin (n = 25) significantly reduced the rate constants of both D-[(14)C]-glucose and D-[(3)H]-mannose. Substitution of sodium with choline and incremental galactose treatments similarly reduced D-[(14)C]-glucose influx, indicating that a fraction of the transport is carrier-mediated. Treatment with amygdalin did not significantly affect the rate constants of D-[(14)C]-glucose or D-[(3)H]-mannose transport. However, treatment with 1 mM prunasin (n = 16) did reduce the influx of D-[(14)C]-glucose without affecting D-[(3)H]-mannose values. This is consistent with the reports finding that glycoside absorption may be mediated by SGLT1.

The cyanide content of laetrile preparations, apricot, peach and apple seeds

Laetrile preparations obtained from a cyanide intoxicated patient were analyzed for their cyanide content by a microdiffusion colorimetric procedure. Cyanide was also determined in apricot, peach and apple seeds. The results were compared to those reported in the literature for cyanogenic glycoside containing seeds.

A clinical trial of amygdalin (Laetrile) in the treatment of human cancer

One hundred seventy-eight patients with cancer were treated with amygdalin (Laetrile) plus a "metabolic therapy" program consisting of diet, enzymes, and vitamins. The great majority of these patients were in good general condition before treatment. None was totally disabled or in preterminal condition. One third had not received any previous chemotherapy. The pharmaceutical preparations of amygdalin, the dosage, and the schedule were representative of past and present Laetrile practice. No substantive benefit was observed in terms of cure, improvement or stabilization of cancer, improvement of symptoms related to cancer, or extension of life span. The hazards of amygdalin therapy were evidenced in several patients by symptoms of cyanide toxicity or by blood cyanide levels approaching the lethal range. Patients exposed to this agent should be instructed about the danger of cyanide poisoning, and their blood cyanide levels should be carefully monitored. Amygdalin (Laetrile) is a toxic drug that is not effective as a cancer treatment.