Apricot Seeds in Cancer Treatment: Myth or Truth?

The apricot, scientifically known as Prunus armeniaca, belongs to the Rosaceae family. Apricot seeds are rich in proteins and fatty acids.
It is believed that they help reduce the risk of cancer, but there is not enough scientific data to support this claim. Moreover, human testing is needed in this regard.
These seeds are used to extract oil, which is then used in medicines, shampoos, and perfumes.
Unfortunately, apricot seeds are toxic due to compounds present in them such as laetrile and amygdalin. Therefore, be cautious while consuming them.
In this article, we analyze the health benefits of apricot seeds, their nutritional profile, their role in cancer prevention, and the recommended daily intake.
What nutrients do apricot seeds contain?
Apricot seeds are rich in oil, which makes up 50% of their total content. They also contain healthy unsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic, linolenic, and oleic acids.
Approximately 25% of an apricot seed is protein, which is predominantly albumin.
The total fiber content of an apricot seed is only 5%.
Apricot seeds contain amygdalin (vitamin B17) in the highest concentration. It is considered one of the most essential enzymes found in apricot pits.
There are many debates surrounding the consumption of apricot seeds. It is believed that it could be fatal. Let’s check the research below.
Is the consumption of apricot seeds toxic?
It has been reported that a high intake of apricot seeds causes cyanide toxicity. Apricot seeds contain various toxins, such as cyanide, amygdalin (a cyanogenic compound), and β-glucosidase (an enzymatic catalyst).
Several cases of cyanide poisoning caused by the ingestion of apricot seeds have been reported!
The Annals of Tropical Pediatrics published a retrospective diagnostic study on cyanide poisoning caused by the consumption of apricot seeds in 13 children.
Although symptoms may not appear immediately, toxic effects such as nausea, headaches, lethargy, insomnia, decreased blood pressure, and pain in the mouth and joints have been reported.
There have also been some reported cases of death, especially in children. The FDA has deemed it unsafe both as food and as medicine.
So, here is the most important question
Can apricot seeds help in cancer treatment?
Laetrile or vitamin B17 is a synthetic form of amygdalin. It is a cyanogenic glycoside present in apricot seeds. Laetrile has been used to treat cancer as an alternative therapy.
In an in vitro study published in Food Science and Biotechnology, it was reported that extracts from sweet apricot seeds and bitter almonds have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor properties. It is claimed that apricot extracts can prevent the growth of human cancer cell lines from the brain, colon, and hepatocellular (liver).
An in vitro study reported the potential use of apricot kernels as part of anticancer dietary therapies. It was observed that amygdalin present in apricot seeds could suppress cancer development in HT-29 colon cancer cells.
It was reported that amygdalin induces apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells by inhibiting the cell cycle. The authors of the study argue that it is a misconception that amygdalin causes cyanide toxicity. However, clinical studies are still needed to demonstrate these effects on humans.
A systematic review of 36 studies found that the available data regarding the potential benefits of laetrile (found in apricot seeds) for cancer treatment is inconclusive.
Several review articles have argued that the anticancer effects of amygdalin or laetrile are fraudulent due to the lack of valid clinical data.
Since most of the available information regarding the anticancer effect of apricot seeds is anecdotal, the success rate of this therapy has not been reported in the public domain.
Mixed research claims and toxicity reports of apricot seeds make them a less ideal treatment for cancer. Even the National Cancer Institute (NCI) does not approve it.
Although there are mixed reports about the cyanide toxicity of apricot seeds, you can consume them in small quantities. Find out how in the next section.
How many apricot seeds should you eat per day?
There is no exact recommended dose, as it depends on many factors such as the type, weight, and health of the person consuming apricot seeds.
However, the European Food Safety Authority has reported that adults should not consume more than 3 small raw apricot seeds, and young children should avoid them completely. The presence of cyanide in apricot seeds can be fatal for children, as cyanide toxicity depends on body weight.
Consult a doctor immediately if you experience adverse reactions such as nausea or dizziness!
Apricot seeds are nutrient-dense. They are full of phytochemicals that may play a role in cancer treatment. They are also a good source of fatty acids, vitamins, and dietary fiber. The seeds also contain amygdalin, a compound that may have anticancer properties. However, you must be cautious about the cyanide in the seeds. Excessive consumption of seeds can lead to cyanide poisoning. The severity of symptoms varies depending on the type and weight of a person. Apricot seeds can also cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, and difficulty breathing. It is also believed that amygdalin inhibits cancer cells through an unknown mechanism. Associated studies are not extensive enough to support the use of apricot seeds in cancer treatment.