Apricot seeds for cancer treatment

June 13, 2024 By Salva Off

Can apricot kernels kill cancer?

Apricot seeds for cancer treatment: In Turkey, a study conducted by Prof. Dr. Aysun Bay Karabulut from the Biochemistry Department of İnönü University’s Medical Faculty and Asst. Prof. Dr. Yunus Önal from the Chemical Engineering Department of the Faculty of Engineering has discovered that bitter apricot kernels and amygdalin can kill cancer cells while regenerating healthy cells in experimental animals.

Prof. Dr. Karabulut stated that their two-year study, titled “The Effect of Bitter Apricot Kernels and Amygdalin (Vitamin B17) on Cancer Cells” has been completed.

Karabulut explained that the research was supported by İnönü University’s Scientific Research Projects. They divided the experimental animals into seven groups, comparing each group with controls. They administered bitter apricot kernels at 5% and 3% ratios to the animals, which corresponds to 3 to 5 bitter apricot kernels daily. Karabulut emphasized the need for caution due to the toxic substances in the kernels, which can be lethal in high doses.

In the study, liver cancer was induced in the experimental animals, and different amounts of bitter apricot kernels were tested. The results showed that the kernels had positive effects on cancer cells, killing them while promoting the regeneration of healthy cells. Specifically, a 5% ratio of bitter apricot kernels showed significant positive effects on liver enzymes.

Additionally, Karabulut mentioned that the animals were also fed with amygdalin, which is found in bitter apricot kernels at a 6% ratio. Amygdalin is known for its pain-relieving effects and is used in diabetic patients. The study tested its effects on cancer and observed positive results. Both bitter apricot kernels and amygdalin significantly reduced cancer-promoting enzymes and increased antioxidants in the body’s defense mechanisms.

Karabulut noted that the amygdalin used in the research was produced in the laboratory at İnönü University. The study garnered significant interest at the World Laboratory Congress held in Istanbul by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, organized by the Turkish Biochemical Society. The focus on bitter apricot kernels and amygdalin’s effects on cancer was particularly noteworthy.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Yunus Önal explained that amygdalin is found in 2,000 different plants worldwide, with a 6% concentration in bitter apricot kernels and a 2% concentration in almonds. He emphasized the high purity (99.9%) of the amygdalin extracted from the kernels and stated that this high-purity amygdalin formed the basis of their research.

Önal highlighted the economic potential of isolating amygdalin from bitter apricot kernels, aiming to use it as an industrial product in cancer research. He pointed out that Turkey exports bitter apricot kernels to Italy and France but does not produce amygdalin, suggesting that this should change to capitalize on the material’s significant value, which can reach up to $1 million per kilogram in retail.

Önal concluded by emphasizing the importance of producing amygdalin in Turkey for the pharmaceutical and food industries, aiming to provide a valuable resource for global use.

Are apricot kernels cancer-fighting?

The idea that apricot kernels fight cancer is based on amygdalin, which may release cyanide; however, there’s no scientific proof, and they can be toxic, so please consult a healthcare professional.

Do apricot seeds fight cancer?

The claim that apricot seeds can fight cancer comes from amygdalin (laetrile or vitamin B-17), which some believe releases cyanide to kill cancer cells. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this.

Is apricot a cancer treatment?

The apricot kernel is a small seed from the center of an apricot stone, associated with potential cancer treatment.

Can apricot extracts help treat colon cancer?

According to the laboratory studies apricot extracts containing amygdalin may inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells, but there is no conclusive evidence of their effectiveness in treating colon cancer in humans, and the use of apricot seeds can be harmful due to cyanide release.

What are the side effects of too many apricot seeds?

Apricot seeds pose risks due to limited safety knowledge; experts recommend adults eat only a few small seeds, while children should avoid them entirely, as more than half a seed may cause illness. While safer than amygdalin pills, consuming 20-30 kernels has hospitalized adults. Long-term use can lead to health issues, and combining amygdalin with vitamin C can raise cyanide levels. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include dizziness, headache, nausea, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and breathing problems.