What Is the Source of Laetrile?

Laetrile is the name of a drug that is used in cancer treatment therapies. It is derived from amygdalin, a naturally occurring bitter substance found in the pits of apricots and peaches. It's also found in kernels of bitter almonds. Laetrile can also be synthetically made in the laboratory. Laetrile use peaked in the 1970's, and the FDA banned it in 1977 due to reports of toxicity and unsubstantiated claims of cancer treatment.

History

• Ernst T. Krebs, Sr., M.D. patented laetrile in the 1920's from bitter almonds as a treatment for cancer.

Function

• According to the American Cancer Society, there is no scientific evidence of Laetrile being effective in treating cancer or any other disease.

Considerations

• The American Cancer Society does state that bitter almonds were used for medicine by ancient civilizations such as the Chinese and the Egyptians.

Warning

• Laetrile contains a substance that can be converted to cyanide, which can be fatally toxic even in small quantities.

Fun Fact

• Laetrile and amgydalin are sometimes referred to as vitamin B17 or Amigdalina B-17.