Bitter Almond (Prunus amygdalus) Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain bitter almond. Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with their pharmacist or health care provider before starting.
Scientists have studied bitter almond for the following health problem: Cancer | Laetrile is a drug made from a component in bitter almond (and certain other fruit pits) called amygdalin. Laetrile has been marketed as an alternative cancer drug in other countries. However, studies in animals and humans have not shown benefits in treating any type of cancer. Laetrile is considered toxic and is not recommended for use. |
Bitter almond has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially very serious and even life-threatening. You should consult a health care provider before taking bitter almond for any unproven use. Analgesic
Anesthetic
Antibacterial
Anti-inflammatory
Antispasmodic
Cough suppressant
Expectorant
Hyperoxia | Itching
Muscle relaxant
Narcotic
Neuropsychometric symptoms in AIDS patients
Pain relief
Psoriasis
Sedative |
Allergies People should avoid bitter almond if they have an allergy to almonds. Individuals who are allergic to any type of nuts should be cautious when eating bitter almond. Allergies to almonds are common and may lead to severe reactions or death. Signs of allergy include rash, itching, swelling of the lips or mouth or difficulty breathing. Side Effects Laetrile and bitter almond have been associated with serious toxicity and are considered to be unsafe because of their potential to cause cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in people who used laetrile have included headache, dilated pupils, seizures, muscle spasms, difficulty breathing, metabolic abnormalities, shock, coma and death. Other adverse effects from high doses of bitter almond or laetrile include dizziness, confusion, drooping of the eyelids, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting and rare types of anemia and other blood cell disorders. Drowsiness or sedation may occur. Use caution if you are driving or operating heavy machinery. There is also a case report of a peripheral neuropathy from a vitamin B12 deficiency related to amygdalin intake. Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding Bitter almond is not recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding because of the risk of birth defects.
Interactions with drugs, supplements and other herbs have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with your health care provider or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements. Interactions With Drugs Animal studies suggest that bitter almond may lead to adverse effects, including headaches and flushing, if used with alcohol. In theory, bitter almond may also increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan); barbiturates, such as phenobarbital; narcotics, such as codeine; and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery. Bitter almond may interact with drugs eliminated by the kidneys and with immunomodulators. Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements Bitter almond may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements, such as valerian. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery. Bitter almond may interact with herbs and supplements eliminated by the kidney and with immunomodulators. There is also a case report of a peripheral neuropathy from a vitamin B12 deficiency related to amygdalin intake.
Because of the toxicity of bitter almond, there are no established dosing recommendations.
Bitter almond has been suggested as a treatment for several conditions. However, there is no research supporting the use of bitter almond for any medical problem. Laetrile, a drug derived from a component found in bitter almond, may be highly toxic in humans. It has not been shown beneficial as a cancer treatment. Bitter almond should be avoided in pregnant or breast-feeding women and in children. Speak with your health care provider immediately if you experience side effects. The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
- Natural Standard: An organization that produces scientifically based reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research
Selected Scientific Studies: Bitter Almond Natural Standard has reviewed all of the currently available medical literature to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created. Some of the more recent studies are listed below: - Beamer WC, Shealy RM, Prough DS. Acute cyanide poisoning from laetrile ingestion. Ann Emerg Med 1983;12(7):449-451.
- Liegner KB, Beck EM, Rosenberg A. Laetrile-induced agranulocytosis. JAMA 1981;246(24):2841-2842.
- Moertel CG, Fleming TR, Rubin J, et al. A clinical trial of amygdalin (laetrile) in the treatment of human cancer. N Engl J Med 1982;306(4):201-206.
- Moss RW. Patient perspectives: Tijuana cancer clinics in the post-NAFTA era. Integr Cancer Ther 2005;Mar, 4(1):65-86.
- Natural Standard Research Collaboration, Chief Editors: Ulbricht C, Basch E, Natural Standard Herb and Supplement Reference – Evidence-Based Clinical Reviews, USA: Elsevier/Mosby, 2005.
- Shragg TA, Albertson TE, Fisher CJ Jr. Cyanide poisoning after bitter almond ingestion. West J Med 1982;136(1):65-69.
- Willhite CC. Congenital malformations induced by laetrile. Science 1982;215(4539):1513-1515.
Last updated September 04, 2008
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