Bitter almond (Prunus amygdalus Batch var. amara (DC.) Focke) and Laetrile
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Bitter almond/Drug Interactions:- AlcoholAlcohol: Almond oil was shown in mice to be an inducer of hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase. This finding suggests a possible adverse interaction between almond oil and alcohol. Bitter almond may result in a disulfiram-like flushing reaction with concomitant alcohol use (28).
- AnalgesicsAnalgesics: Amygdalin was shown to have an analgesic effect in mice without inducing tolerance. It did not show evidence of anti-inflammatory activity (29).
- CNS depressantsCNS depressants: Theoretically, depressant effects caused by bitter almond may be potentiated when administered with CNS depressants.
- ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: A synthetic analogue of amygdalin that lacked a cyanide group exhibited similar responses as peptide T, a peptide shown to resolve psoriatic lesions, in human keratinocytes (8).
- Renally eliminated drugsRenally eliminated drugs: After intravenous laetrile, amygdalin has been shown to be excreted primarily unchanged with urinary recoveries as high as 100%. Peak plasma levels following a 6g intramuscular dose of laetrile were 180mcg/mL (30).
- SedativesSedatives: Theoretically, depressant effects caused by bitter almond may be potentiated when administered with CNS depressants.
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Bitter almond/Herb/Supplement Interactions:- AnalgesicsAnalgesics: Amygdalin was shown to have an analgesic effect in mice without inducing tolerance. It did not show evidence of anti-inflammatory activity (29).
- CNS depressantsCNS depressants: Theoretically, depressant effects caused by bitter almond may be potentiated when administered with CNS depressants.
- ImmunostimulantsImmunostimulants: A synthetic analogue of amygdalin that lacked a cyanide group exhibited similar responses as peptide T, a peptide shown to resolve psoriatic lesions, in human keratinocytes (8).
- ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: A synthetic analogue of amygdalin that lacked a cyanide group exhibited similar responses as peptide T, a peptide shown to resolve psoriatic lesions, in human keratinocytes (8).
- Renally eliminated herbs and supplementsRenally eliminated herbs and supplements: After intravenous laetrile, amygdalin has been shown to be excreted primarily unchanged with urinary recoveries as high as 100%. Peak plasma levels following a 6g intramuscular dose of laetrile were 180mcg/mL (30).
- SedativesSedatives: Theoretically, depressant effects caused by bitter almond may be potentiated when administered with CNS depressants.
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Bitter almond/Food Interactions:- Alcohol-containing foodsAlcohol-containing foods: Almond oil was shown in mice to be an inducer of hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase. This finding suggests a possible adverse interaction between almond oil and alcohol. Bitter almond may result in a disulfiram-like flushing reaction with concomitant alcohol use (28).
- Raw almondsRaw almonds: When using bitter almond products or laetrile, concomitant ingestion of raw almonds has been reported in several cases to increase the incidence of cyanide poisoning (13; 16).
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Bitter almond/Lab Interactions:- Insufficient available evidence.
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Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)
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The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
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