Amygdalin - the truth behind the nut

Introduction: Amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside, is a compound found in the seeds of plants belonging to the Rosaceae family. In recent years the compound provoked scientific disputes because of the controversial data related to its effects on human health.Materials and Methods: This systematic review is based on the available scientific literature and clinical case reports of amygdalin beneficial and adverse effects. Results: Some of the studies reveal that amygdalin possesses antitumor potential by inducing the cancer cells apoptosis. The action of the compound on different tumor cell lines is not identical and depends on the tumor cells composition. However, there are many clinical cases of cyanide poisoning after usage of amyg-dalin as a cancer drug. After a large dose application of amygdalin, the prussic acid and the cyanide acid de-liberated in digestive system may lead to a fatal toxicity. Conclusions: The in vivo and in vitro studies of amygdalin antitumor effects are at the beginning. The pharmacological mechanism of action of the compound remains to be elucidated. Its effects on normal cells are still unclear