Apricot Seed / Amygdalin
Cyanogenic glycoside that disrupts mitochondrial function (Δψm↓), lowers Bcl-2, raises caspase/ROS; preclinical signals but no proven benefit in humans and significant cyanide toxicity risk.
Forms: Bitter apricot kernels (variable amygdalin content) · Amygdalin tablets/capsules (standardization varies)
Simple Summary
Amygdalin can release cyanide after enzymatic conversion, damaging mitochondria and triggering apoptosis. While it shows tumor cell kill in lab models, human trials have not shown benefit and cyanide toxicity is a real risk. If considered at all, it must be under medical supervision with strict dosing and monitoring—or avoided.
Evidence at a glance
Predominantly preclinical with one negative/unsafe human experience; not recommended for therapeutic use.
How it may work
Amygdalin, found in bitter apricot seeds, is converted by β-glucosidase (often elevated in cancer cells) into benzaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide, which disrupt mitochondrial function and induce apoptosis. It downregulates anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, activates caspase-3, increases ROS production, and disrupts cellular metabolism. Some studies also suggest anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic effects in specific tumor lines.
Targets & pathways
Curated mechanistic targets reported for this agent — how it may act on cells, not proof of a clinical effect.
- Mitochondrial membrane potential↓HCN disrupts ETC → Δψm loss
- Bcl-2↓
- Caspase-3↑
- ROS↑
- Apoptosis↑
Overlapping mechanisms
- ROS ↑: Stacking with other ROS inducers raises normal-tissue risk without proven benefit.
Safety & interactions
Severity and how well-established each signal is are shown separately. Verify everything with your oncologist or pharmacist — absence here does not mean safe.
- high-dose vitamin CAvoidMajorTheoreticalMay enhance cyanide release/absorption; case reports of worsened toxicity.
- probiotics/high β-glucosidase gut floraAvoidMajorTheoreticalβ-glucosidase can increase cyanide generation from amygdalin.
Timing
- With-meal: May reduce GI upset if used.
- AM
- PM
References
- PMID 31958042 — Amygdalin mechanisms review
- PMID 32026321 — Apoptosis induction in models
- PMID 30696432 — ROS and mitochondrial effects
- PMID 29872744 — Anti-proliferative in cell lines
- PMID 28146364 — Cyanide toxicity concerns
- PMID 24218429 — Preclinical anti-angiogenic
- PMID 7033783 — Negative human trial (1982 NCI)
- NCI PDQ 2022 — No anticancer activity in humans
- MSKCC 2024 — Safety review, toxicity risks
Research
No published studies for Apricot Seed / Amygdalin yet
New studies appear here once they’ve been reviewed. Browse all studies.
Dose: as studied, not a recommendation
Ranges seen in adjunct / practice use: (oral) No safe, oncology-standard dose established; use is not recommended due to cyanide toxicity risk., Human trials failed to show benefit and reported cyanide toxicity; avoid therapeutic dosing outside supervised research..
Trials studying Apricot Seed / Amygdalin
No actively-recruiting trials matched right now. Recruiting is not the same as proven. Search ClinicalTrials.gov →