Apricot kernel
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An apricot kernel (Prunus armeniaca, "Armenian plum" in Latin) refers to the kernel of a species of Prunus, classified with the plum in the subgenus Prunus. It is known for containing amygdalin, a toxic cyanogenic glycoside.
Apricot kernels can sometimes be strong-tasting and bitter. They feature in recipes for apricot jam, and Italian amaretto cookies and liqueur.[citation needed] Taken in excess, they may produce symptoms of cyanide poisoning, including nausea, fever, rash, headaches, insomnia, increased thirst, weakness, lethargy, nervousness, various aches and pains in joints and muscles, a drop in blood pressure. Amygdalin, also referred to as laetrile or vitamin B17, was popularized as a cancer treatment by the chemist Ernst T. Krebs.[1] [2] A clinical trial of amygdalin was carried out in 1982 by the Mayo Clinic and three other US cancer centers under National Cancer Institute sponsorship, and found that, "No substantive benefit was observed in terms of cure..." and more than 2 of the 178 patients suffered from cyanide toxicity.[3]
In 1993, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets tested the cyanide content of two 8oz. packages of apricot kernels that were imported from Pakistan which were being sold in health-food stores as a snack. The results showed that each package, if consumed entirely, contained at least double the minimum lethal dosage of cyanide for an adult human. The apricot pits were recalled and removed from stores.[4] In spite of this, there were no USA deaths and only 1 serious toxicity from apricot kernels reported from 1979 to 1998.[5] On average, an apricot kernel contains about 0.5 mg of cyanide.
[edit] Nutritional content
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 883 kJ (211 kcal) |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Fat | 100 g *Saturated fat: 6.3 g *Monounsaturated fat: 60 g *Polyunsaturated fat: 29.3 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Vitamin B6 | 0 mg (0%) |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg (0%) |
| Vitamin E | 4 mg (27%) |
| Iron | 0 mg (0%) |
| Magnesium | 0 mg (0% |
| Phosphorus | 0 mg (0%) |
| Potassium | 0 mg (0%) |
| Zinc | 0 mg (0%) |
| Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient database |
|
- Calories from fat: 100
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
[edit] References
- ^ "Laetrile". American Cancer Society. 2005-01-06. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Laetrile.asp?sitearea=ETO. Retrieved 2007-02-07.
- ^ Milazzo, Stefania; Stephane Lejeune, Edzard Ernst (2006-11-15). "Laetrile for cancer: a systematic review of the clinical evidence". Supportive Care in Cancer 15: 583. doi:. http://www.springerlink.com/content/j46152606728636h/?p=51beef7f56a04e98af7a94aec297d657&pi=0.
- ^ Moertel, C.G., (28 January 1982). "A clinical trial of amygdalin (laetrile) in the treatment of human cancer." (abstract). N. Engl. J. Med. 306 (306): 201–206. PMID 7033783. http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/306/4/201.
- ^ Imported Bitter Apricot Pits Recalled as Cyanide HazardBy DENNIS HEVESI Published: Friday, March 26, 1993 - The New York Times
- ^ Acute cyanide toxicity caused by apricot kernel in...(Ann Emerg Med. 1998) - PubMed
