Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Aci badem, almendra amara, amande amere, amendoa amarga, amygdala amara, Amygdalis dulcis amara, bitter almond oil, bittere amandel, bittermandel, çagla, gorkiy mindal, karvasmanteli, keseru mandula, ku wei bian tao, ku xing ren, lawz murr, mandorla amara, Prunus communis amara, Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb var. amara (DC.) H.E. Moore, Prunus amygalus amara, Rosaceae (family), volatile almond oil.
• Note: Bitter almond should not be confused with sweet almond. Sweet almond seeds do not contain amygdalin and can be eaten, whereas bitter almonds are toxic.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• The almond is closely related to the peach, apricot, and cherry (all classified as drupes). The most commonly used portion of the almond is the nut. A compound called amygdalin differentiates the bitter almond from the sweet almond. In the presence of water (hydrolysis), amygdalin yields glucose as well as benzaldehyde and hydrocyanic acid (HCN). HCN, the salts of which are known as cyanide, is poisonous (1). In those cases that involve cyanide poisoning, there is usually the common odor of bitter almond (2). To be used in food or as a flavoring agent, the HCN must be removed from the bitter almond oil. Once it is removed, the oil is called volatile almond oil, and it is considered to be almost pure benzaldehyde. Volatile almond oil can still be toxic in large amounts.
• Historically, bitter almond oil was once used as a cough suppressant and as an antipruritic. It is also said to possess anti-peptic ulcer, local anesthetic, and antispasmodic properties. HCN-free bitter almond oil is used in very small amounts as a flavoring agent in products, such as marzipan.
• "Laetrile," an alternative cancer drug marketed in Mexico and other countries outside of the United States, is derived from amygdalin. Based on a phase II trial in 1982, the U.S. National Cancer Institute concluded that laetrile is not an effective chemotherapeutic agent. Nonetheless, many people still travel to use this therapy outside the United States. Multiple cases of cyanide poisoning, including deaths, have been associated with laetrile therapy (3;​4).
• There are numerous animal studies that evaluate the effectiveness of amygdalin and show potential usefulness for treating many conditions, such as neuropsychometric symptoms in AIDS patients, psoriasis (1), and hyperoxia (5;​6). In addition, bitter almond may possess anti-inflammatory, anti-tussive, and expectorant properties (7).

Dosing/Toxicology

• Content available for subscribers only.

Precautions/Contraindications

• Content available for subscribers only.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

• Content available for subscribers only.

Mechanism of Action

• Content available for subscribers only.

History

• Content available for subscribers only.

Evidence Table

• Content available for subscribers only.

Evidence Discussion

• Content available for subscribers only.

Products Studied

• Content available for subscribers only.

Author Information

• Content available for subscribers only.

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

• Content available for subscribers only.