Background:
Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside which is described as a naturally occurring anticancer
agent. Current review highlights apoptosis-inducing attributes of amygdalin towards different cancers and its
potential application as an anti-cancer agent in cancer therapy.
Method:
Data about amygdalin was retrieved from all major scientific databases i.e., PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google
Scholar, Scopus and Medline by using combination of keywords like amygdalin, apoptosis, laetrile, vitamin B-
17, pro-apoptotic proteins, anti-apoptotic proteins, hydrogen cyanide, mechanism of action of amygdalin and
amygdalin therapy on humans. However, no specific time frame was followed for collection of data.
Results:
Data collected from already published articles revealed that apoptosis is a central process activated by
amygdalin in cancer cells. It is suggested to stimulate apoptotic process by upregulating expression of Bax (proapoptotic
protein) and caspase-3 and downregulating expression of Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic protein). It also promotes
arrest of cell cycle in G0/G1 phase and decrease number of cells entering S and G2/M phases. Thus, it is proposed
to enhance deceleration of cell cycle by blocking cell proliferation and growth.
Conclusion:
The current review epitomizes published information and provides complete interpretations about all
known anti-cancer mechanisms of amygdalin, possible role of naturally occurring amygdalin in fight against cancer
and mistaken belief about cyanide toxicity causing potential of amygdalin. However, well-planned clinical trials are
still needed to be conducted to prove effectiveness of this substance in vivo and to get approval for human use.
The Tumor-Selective Cytotoxic Agent β-Lapachone is a Potent Inhibitor of IDO1
