Apricot and peach pits contain a cyanogenic substance called amygdalin, better known as vitamin B-17, which is used as an alternative cancer treatment. The U.S Food and Drug Administration has not approved B-17 for clinical use. According to the FDA, B-17 use may cause cyanide toxicity. Consult your doctor before taking B-17.
Synthetic vs. Natural B-17
Laetrile is a chemically altered, synthetic B-17 form. This is the most used form for clinical research regarding cancer, not its naturally occurring counterpart. This is important to know, since synthetic substances may affect your body differently than their natural counterparts. Vitamin B-17 is primarily found in non-citrus fruit seeds, including apples, cherries, plums, nectarines and oranges.
Natural B-17 Effects on Prostate Cancer
Cancer cells can proliferate because they have the ability to evade apoptosis, or programmed cell death. BAX is a protein your body makes that promotes apoptosis in cancer cells. According to a study published in the August 2006 issue of "Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin," natural B-17 induces programmed cell death in human prostate cancer cells through up-regulating BAX and down-regulating BCL-2, a gene associated with cancer.
Natural B-17 Effects on Colon Cancer
Natural B-17 inhibits genes related to colon cancer. According to a study published in the September 2005 issue of "World Journal of Gastroenterology," natural B-17 exhibits anti-cancer effects on human colon cancer cells through down-regulating cell-cycle genes associated with colon cancer.
Bottom Line
Studies appear to support natural B-17 use for some cancers with no serious toxicity reports. Keep in mind that randomized or controlled studies are needed for further analysis. Use B-17 only under your doctor's supervision, especially because your cyanide blood levels need close monitoring during B-17 use. Do not use natural remedies to replace traditional medical care.
References
- Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Amygdalin; Oct. 26, 2010
- "The New England Journal of Medicine"; A Clinical Trial of Amygdalin (Laetrile) in the Treatment of Human Cancer; C.G. Moertel et al.; January 1982
- "Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin"; Amygdalin Induces Apoptosis through Regulation of Bax and Bcl-2 Expressions in Human Du145 and Lncap Prostate Cancer Cells; Hyun-Kyung Chang; August 2006
- "World Journal of Gastroenterology"; Amygdalin Inhibits Genes Related to Cell Cycle in Snu-C4 Human Colon Cancer Cells; H.J. Park, September 2005
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