Amygdalin

Amygdalin (supplement, derived from fruit kernel) is composed of two molecules of glucose (a sugar), one molecule of hydrocyanic acid (an anti-neoplastic compound), and one molecule of benzaldehyde (an analgesic).

In metabolic therapy, the amygdalin is broken down into its component parts as a result of the action of beta-glucosidase. This enzyme is found in abundance in affected cells, and is relatively deficient in normal cells.

Consequently, the cyanide is released only where there is an active lesion. This liberation of cyanide under controlled and safe conditions insures that an adequate dosage can be administered without the threat of toxic side effects. This absence of cyanide toxicity is further insured by the action of rhodanese, another enzyme. This enzyme is present in large quantities in normal cells but in very small amounts in affected cells.

Detoxification of cyanide occurs, therefore, in normal mammalian tissue through the action of this rhodanese which, in the presence of sulfur- bearing compounds, converts free cyanide to thiocyanate, a perfectly non-toxic compound. The thiocyanate is excreted in the urine.