Laetrile is supposed to be an alternative cancer treatment for patients. But it’s not proven, as there isn’t enough data to back it up. Summary.
What is laetrile
Laetrile is a synthetic form of amygdalin. Amygdalin is a plant substance found in raw nuts, bitter almonds, apricots and cherry seeds. It’s also found in raw almonds. Some people use laetriles as B17 vitamins, but that’s not a nutritional product.
History and Popularity
Laetrile, also known as B17, has a long and checkered history dating back to the 1800s. It was first used as a cancer treatment in the US in the 1920s but its popularity exploded in the 1960s and 1970s. During that time laetrile was marketed as a natural and effective cancer treatment and gained a big following among those looking for alternative therapies. But the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and other reputable health organizations have consistently said there’s no scientific evidence to support the use of laetrile as a cancer treatment.
Despite no scientific evidence, laetrile is still used by some cancer patients as a complementary therapy. Many believe laetrile can kill cancer cells and improve overall health and some even claim it cured their cancer. But these are anecdotal and not scientifically proven. The continued interest in laetrile is because of the ongoing search for effective cancer treatments and the allure of natural remedies.
Why cancer patients use it as a complementary therapy
Laetrile is a natural antibacterial agent used in medical applications. Some use it to treat cancer. It can be used alone or in conjunction with an application. It can be taking vitamin supplements as part of a diet or taking enzymes in the pancreas. In laetrile processing the body converts it to cyanidin. Cyanide is a toxic substance that kills cancer cells. There are no clinical application of uretidine for cancer. Those who use Laetrile think this will happen:
Using laetrile carries risks, including cyanide toxicity which can lead to serious health problems and even death.
Mechanism of Action
Laetrile is supposed to work by releasing cyanide, a toxic substance that can kill cancer cells. The idea behind this is that the cyanide will target and destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact. But this theory has not been proven and the actual mechanism of action of laetrile is not understood.
Some proponents of laetrile claim it works by stimulating the body’s natural defenses against cancer, the immune system and the production of pancreatic enzymes. But there’s no scientific evidence to support this and the mechanism of action of laetrile is still a topic of debate.
Note that using laetrile as a cancer treatment is not risk free. High doses of laetrile can cause cyanide poisoning which can be fatal. Laetrile can also interact with other medications and worsen certain health conditions. So use laetrile with caution and consult a healthcare professional before using it as a cancer treatment.
What Research Says About B17
B17 is worth looking into. Some believe B17 has many health benefits including potential benefits in cancer treatment and overall wellness. Studies were done on cells from petri dishes. Or on animal cells. While such studies can provide a basis for human clinical trials, there’s no scientific data yet.
Laetrile as a cancer treatment
Some sites promoting laetrile rely on unproven views or personal stories. Laetrile is an unproven treatment with no scientific evidence that it can cure cancer. Cochrane Libraries published systematic reviews in 2015. A group of experts gather evidence on a topic to find evidence that supports the claim. The authors stated that the claims made about the benefits of laetrile has never been proven in clinical trials. A recent report also warned of the dangers of laetrile and amygdalin toxicity especially in mouth-washing.
Food Sources of B17
You can increase amygdalin, a plant substance, by combining foods with a diet to boost it. But that doesn’t mean there’s a miracle cure. You should also avoid excessive intake of B17 which can produce poisonous substances. Natural sources of amygdalin: Although it’s technically possible to eat a lethal dose at this point it’s still very dangerous to consume.
Inconclusive Evidence and Cyanide Toxicity
Research can’t determine if amygdalin, an unproven treatment, can help with cancer or other diseases. 68. The scientists said they need to study more how amygdalin can affect cancer. The effectiveness of a laetrile containing drug depends on many factors.
Which food has the most B17?
Amygdallyin can be found in raw walnut seeds, bitter almond seeds, apricot or cherry seeds. Amygdalin can also be found in raw almonds. Plants that contain the amino acid amygdaloine contain as. Many have called laetrile vitamin B17 although there is no vitamin.
Which food has the most amygdalin?
Amygdalin, a plant substance, is found in high concentration in stone fruit seeds including almond, apricot, peach (6.8 g/kg) and plum (4-17.5 g) depending on variety. Aygdalin benzaldehyde gives an unpleasant taste.
Is B17 in apricot kernels?
Amygdalin, the main cyanogenic glycan found in apricots are often called “vitamin B16“. Eating apricot kernels can lead to cyanide toxicity which is very dangerous to health. Amygdalin, also called Vitamin B17 has not been recognized by Food Safety Authority. 24 Jan 2019.
Do blueberries have B17?
Berries have B17. Some people believe B17 has many health benefits including cancer treatment and overall wellness. The substance is found in the fruit itself and in the tiny seeds inside the plant. Jan. 15, 2025.
