Overview
Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside primarily found in the seeds of apricots, bitter almonds, peaches, and other stone fruits. It gained attention in alternative medicine under the name 'Laetrile' or 'Vitamin B17,' though it is not a recognized vitamin. Historically, it has been used in traditional remedies, but its toxicity due to cyanide release has limited its modern applications. Chemically, amygdalin consists of a benzaldehyde unit, a cyanide group, and two glucose molecules. Upon enzymatic hydrolysis, it breaks down into glucose, benzaldehyde, and hydrogen cyanide (HCN), the latter being highly toxic. This property has led to strict regulations in many countries regarding its use in food and medicine.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Amygdalin is a white, crystalline powder with a bitter taste. It is soluble in water and ethanol but only slightly soluble in ether. The compound decomposes at temperatures above 214°C, releasing toxic fumes. Its molecular structure includes a nitrile group, which is responsible for its cyanogenic activity. Under specific enzymatic conditions (e.g., in the presence of beta-glucosidase), amygdalin hydrolyzes to produce hydrogen cyanide. This reaction is pH-dependent and occurs more readily in alkaline environments. The cyanide release mechanism has been studied in toxicology, as accidental poisoning can occur from consuming untreated apricot kernels or other amygdalin-rich seeds.
Main Applications
Amygdalin has been explored in alternative medicine for its purported anti-cancer properties, though scientific evidence supporting these claims is lacking. The FDA and other regulatory agencies have not approved it for medical use due to its toxicity and lack of efficacy in clinical trials. In research, amygdalin serves as a model compound for studying cyanogenic glycosides and their metabolic pathways. It is also used in analytical chemistry to develop detection methods for cyanide in biological samples. Industrial applications are limited, but it may be encountered in the extraction of essential oils or flavorings from fruit seeds, provided cyanide is removed.
Safety and Storage
Amygdalin is classified as toxic due to its cyanide-releasing properties. Ingestion can lead to cyanide poisoning, with symptoms including dizziness, nausea, respiratory failure, and even death. Proper handling requires gloves, goggles, and ventilation to avoid inhalation or skin contact. Storage should be in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Containers must be tightly sealed and labeled with hazard warnings. In case of accidental exposure, immediate medical attention is required, and antidotes like sodium thiosulfate may be administered to counteract cyanide effects.
B2B Procurement Guide
When sourcing amygdalin for research or industrial use, buyers should prioritize suppliers with verified CAS numbers and certificates of analysis (CoA) to confirm purity (typically 98% or higher). Pricing varies based on quantity and purity, with bulk purchases often discounted. Due to its toxic nature, compliance with local and international regulations (e.g., REACH, TSCA) is critical. Import/export restrictions may apply, particularly for cyanogenic compounds. Buyers should also inquire about packaging options to ensure safe transportation and storage. Reputable suppliers will provide material safety data sheets (MSDS) and handling guidelines.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：中药标准品、标准品对照品、天然化合物、标准品、分析试剂、细胞实验、动物实验、中药提取物、单体化合物、科研实验用
- 主营：酒渣碱、异常山乙素、芦丁标准品、对照品标准品
- 主营：ELISA试剂盒、PCR试剂盒、生化试剂盒、脂蛋白、关基因、亲环素、钾通道、列抗体、ntp溶液、蛋白酶、脑蛋白、病毒抗、蛋白质、239抗体、dtt溶液、科研试剂
- 主营：苦杏碱醇A、白僵菌素、薯蓣皂苷
- 主营：桤木酮、淫羊藿、皂苷bii、泽泻醇、棕榈碱、香附酮、羟苯基、半乳糖、山酮iii、甘草酚、侧柏酮、精氨酸、佛尔酮、维生素、管花苷、虫草素、对照品、利卡灵、卵磷脂、大豆苷、姜黄素、黄烷酮、半合成、苹果酸、三羟基
- 主营：对照品、科研实验、试剂盒、多糖、安石榴苷、儿茶素、绿原酸、尿石素、人参皂苷、花青素、维生素、异鼠李素、甘草系列、人参系列、补骨脂系列、雷公藤系列、黄芩系列、柴胡系列、丹参系列、酸枣仁系列、重楼系列、大黄系列、五味子系列、化合物、黄芪皂苷系列
- 主营：Theasinensin A、Theasinensin B、Theasinensin C、花冠木碱、银杏内酯B、白头翁皂苷D、人参皂苷Ro、矢车菊素-3-半乳糖、竹节参皂苷IVa、林生续断苷I、东当归内酯B、欧当归内酯A、70987-96-1、金合欢素、黄芩苷甲酯、樱黄素、台湾泽兰内酯、芫花素、蛇床子素、知母皂苷元、白头翁皂苷B4
- 主营：对照品、标准品、当归酸酐、豆甾醇葡萄糖苷、佛手柑内酯、新当归内酯、补骨脂甲素、补骨脂乙素、羟基芍药苷、阿魏酸松柏酯、水合氧化前胡素
- 主营：芥子碱硫氰酸盐、标准品、人参皂苷、橙皮油素
- 主营：龙胆苦苷、粉防己碱、獐牙菜苦苷、杨梅苷
- 主营：苦杏碱醇A、蛋白质、重组蛋白、细胞
- 主营：甘氨酸、毛喉帖、水苏糖、前胡醇、银杏叶、茄边碱、石蒜碱、金合欢、银椴苷、络塞定、鸡骨草、广藿香、高良姜、绵子糖、紫苏葶、女贞子、紫苏烯、旋复花、肌氨酸、双黄酮、松脂素、甲乙基、棉花素、褪黑素、鸡骨香