Amygdalin as a Promising Anticancer Agent - Molecular Mechanisms and Future Perspectives for the Development of New Nanoformulations for Its Delivery

Sep 24, 2026

Uploaded by McQueen

Cancer rates are increasing globally, and cancer remains a leading cause of death. Amygdalin, also known as vitamin B17 and associated with laetrile, is a cyanogenic glycoside present in fruit kernels and pulps and has long been proposed for anticancer activity. This comprehensive review critically summarizes available evidence on amygdalin’s anticancer effects and molecular mechanisms, while addressing the need for non-toxic delivery formulations. Results indicate reported activity across multiple cancer types, apoptosis induction, proliferation inhibition, and potential reduction of metastasis, but highlight limited in vivo and especially scarce clinical data. Current evidence does not support amygdalin nutritional supplements due to cyano-related adverse effects; nanoparticles are discussed as an alternative delivery approach.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages17

Reading Time43 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Review Scope and Methods

Anticancer Molecular Mechanisms of Amygdalin

Evidence Across Cancer Types

Safety, Limitations, and Need for Non-Toxic Formulations

Nanoparticle-Based Delivery and Future Perspectives

Conclusions

Review Amygdalin as a Promising Anticancer Agent: Molecular Mechanisms and Future Perspectives for the Development of New Nanoformulations for Its Delivery Maria Spanoudaki 1,2, Soﬁa Stoumpou 1, Sousana K. Papadopoulou 1, Dimitra Karafyllaki 3, Evangelos Solovos 4, Konstantinos Papadopoulos 4, Anastasia Giannakoula 1,5 and Constantinos Giaginis 6, * Citation: Spanoudaki, M.; Stoumpou, S.; Papadopoulou, S.K.; Karafyllaki, D.; Solovos, E.; Papadopoulos, K.; Giannakoula, A.; Giaginis, C. Amygdalin as a Promising Anticancer Agent: Molecular Mechanisms and Future Perspectives for the Development of New Nanoformulations for Its Delivery. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 14270 . [https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241814270](https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241814270) Academic Editor: Gabriella Calviello Received: 15 August 2023 Revised: 14 September 2023 Accepted: 15 September 2023 Published: 19 September 2023 Copyright: © 2023 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license ([https://](https://)[ ](https://)[creativecommons.org/licenses/by/](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/)[ ](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/)[4.0/](4.0/)) . 1 Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 54700 Sindos, Greece; [maryspan1@gmail.com](maryspan1@gmail.com) (M.S.); [stoumpous@gmail.com](stoumpous@gmail.com) (S.S.); [souzpapa@gmail.com](souzpapa@gmail.com) (S.K.P.); [agianakoula@ihu.gr](agianakoula@ihu.gr) (A.G.) 2 Clinical Dietetics and Nutritional Department, 424 General Military Hospital, 56429 Thessaloniki, Greece 3 Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Physical Education, Sport Science and Dietetics, University of Thessaly, 42132 Trikala, Greece; [dkarafyllaki@uth.gr](dkarafyllaki@uth.gr) 4 Orthopedic Department, 424 General Military Hospital, 56429 Thessaloniki, Greece; [e.m.solovos@army.gr](e.m.solovos@army.gr) (E.S.); [k.a.papadopoulos@army.gr](k.a.papadopoulos@army.gr) (K.P.) 5 Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Postharvest Physiology of Fruits, Department of Agriculture, International Hellenic University, 54700 Sindos, Greece 6 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece * Correspondence: [cgiaginis@aegean.gr](cgiaginis@aegean.gr) Abstract: Cancer rates are increasing, and cancer is one of the main causes of death worldwide. Amygdalin, also known as vitamin B17 (and laetrile, a synthetic compound), is a cyanogenic glycoside compound that is mainly found in the kernels and pulps of fruits. This compound has been proposed for decades as a promising naturally occurring substance which may provide anticancer effects. This is a comprehensive review which critically summarizes and scrutinizes the available studies exploring the anticancer effect of amygdalin, highlighting its potential anticancer molecular mechanisms as well as the need for a nontoxic formulation of this substance. In-depth research was performed using the most accurate scientiﬁc databases, e.g., PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, applying effective, characteristic, and relevant keywords. There are several pieces of evidence to support the idea that amygdalin can exert anticancer effects against lung, breast, prostate, colorectal, cervical, and gastrointestinal cancers. Amygdalin has been reported to induce apoptosis of cancer cells, inhibiting cancer cells' proliferation and slowing down tumor metastatic spread. However, only a few studies have been performed in in vivo animal models, while clinical studies remain even more scarce. The current evidence cannot support a recommendation of the use of nutritional supplements with amygdalin due to its cyano-moiety which exerts adverse side effects. Preliminary data have shown that the use of nanoparticles may be

FAQs

What is amygdalin and why is it considered a potential anticancer agent?

Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside (also known as vitamin B17 and linked to laetrile) found in fruit kernels and pulps. It has been proposed for decades as a naturally occurring substance that may provide anticancer effects.

What anticancer mechanisms does the review discuss for amygdalin?

The review summarizes evidence that amygdalin can induce apoptosis of cancer cells, inhibit cancer cell proliferation, and slow tumor metastatic spread.

Why does the review caution against using amygdalin nutritional supplements?

The review states that current evidence cannot support a recommendation for nutritional supplements because the cyano-moiety can cause adverse side effects.

Sep 24, 2026

Uploaded by McQueen