Cancer Treatment With Apricot Seeds

Laetrile, also known as amygdalin, is found in the pits of apricot fruit. Roughly 30 years ago, this was thought to be the next new thing in terms of cancer treatment. Rarely has there been such a debate in medical science as there was concerning this subject.

Apricot Pits and Cancer Treatment

• The theory behind apricot pits and cancer treatment is that amygdalin, which is also known as laetrile and is contained in the pits of apricots, produces cyanide in its purest form. Cyanide, it is believed, will then kill off the cancerous tumors growing.

The Fathers of Laetrile Treatment

• Drs. Ernst Krebs Sr. and Jr. are the dual fathers of laetrile treatment. Dr. Krebs Sr. began his experimentation with the chemical amygdalin in the 1920s. His son continued with this experimentation, now referring to amygdalin as "laetrile" roughly 30 years later.

Popularity of Laetrile Treatment

• Laetrile treatment burst onto the scene as a so-called miracle cure for cancer in the late 1970s, after Ernst Krebs Jr.'s experimentation. In 1982, however, it was formally found to be a scientifically ineffective treatment protocol.

Warnings About Laetrile Treatment

• The chemical amygdalin, in its purest form, releases cyanide, a highly toxic chemical compound. When this is ingested, the effects can be catastrophic, namely, fever, vomiting, nausea and liver damage.

Expert Insight

• Medical experts with the National Cancer Institute state that laetrile capsules have been known to cause critical cyanide poisoning in those who have taken them; for this reason, they do not recommend laetrile treatment.