29883-15-6

Uses and Synthetic Methods of Amygdalin

Amygdalin is a β-cyano-glycoside in the bitter almond that is bound to cyano (CN), which releases free cyano groups after eating the bitter almond, so that the food is poisoned. Amygdalin is a product of the metabolism of phenylalanine in the bitter almond. Amygdalin has β-glucosidase and amygdalinase (oxynitrilase): the former catalyzed amygdalin into two molecules of glucose and one molecule of amygdalenone through hydrolysis; the later catalyzes mandelonitrile into almond nitrile cyanide (HCN) and benzaldehyde through hydrolysis. Amygdalin exists in seeds, such as almonds. Many plant root cells contain glycosides, with no toxic effect when in sugar type. Glycosides hydrolysis produce toxic substances leading to cell death. Mandelic glycosides contained in peach root is a glycoside. Amylose hydrolysis produce two kinds of plant toxins-hydrogen cyanide and benzaldehyde. Peeling root lesion formation and necrosis occurred in the vicinity of the stabbed nematode but not in contact zone; in addition, in vitro tests have proved that the pratylenchus penetrans can make amygdalin hydrolysis. As a cyanide containing glucoside, it can be used as a substrate for such as maltase, almond casein and β-glucosidase identification, differentiation and characterization.

Toxicity classification

Highly toxic

Acute toxicity

Acute toxicity Oral-Rat LD50: 522 mg/kg; Oral-mouse LD50: 443 mg/kg

Flammability Hazardous properties

Combustible; producing toxic nitrogen oxides when heated.

Storage and transportation

Ventilation, low temperature, drying

Fire extinguishing agent

Dry powder, foam, sand, carbon dioxide

World Health Organization (WHO)

Laetrile, which consists mainly of amydgalin, a glycoside extracted from the kernels of apricots, peaches and other fruits, has been available for over 30 years in preparations purporting to be beneficial in the treatment of cancer. Although there is no evidence that these are efficacious, preparations continued to be widely used and, until the late 1970s, they were considered to be harmless. However, oral dosage forms, which may be broken down in the gut to hydrogen cyanide, have subsequently been shown to be potentially lethal. This has resulted in restrictive regulatory measures in several countries.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Cyanogenic glycoside that is a component of bitter almonds and apricot pits. There is no scientific evidence that amygdalin itself is an effective anti-cancer agent. Recent studies using β?glucoside linked to a tumor-associated monoclonal antibody to release cyanide at the tumor cell has shown significant cytotoxicity.

Safety Profile

Human poison by ingestion(infant data). Poison experimentally by ingestion. Anexperimental teratogen. Mutation data reported. Whenheated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx.

Purification Methods

D-Amygdalin recrystallises from water as the trihydrate, or from EtOH. It is present in bitter almonds. [Smith Chem Ber 64 1115 1931, Beilstein 17/8 V 188.]

Category

Toxic substances

Definition

ChEBI: An amygdalin in which the stereocentre on the cyanohydrin function has R-configuration.

General Description

This substance is a primary reference substance with assigned absolute purity (considering chromatographic purity, water, residual solvents, inorganic impurities). The exact value can be found on the certificate. Produced by PhytoLab GmbH & Co. KG