Vitamin B17 is essentially a glycoside also known as amygdaline. Though it is not really a vitamin, Ernst Krebs Jr marketed it in the name of
vitamin B17 to cash in on the vitamin fad that existed in those times. Before me move on to talk about the benefits of
vitamin B17, an important point must be noted. Amygdaline consists of approximately six percent of cyanide. The release of this from the amygdaline molecule can be brought about by the enzyme beta-glycosidase which is present in the human small intestine. This enzyme is also present in a host of other common food items. Hence consumption of amygdaline orally can be potentially dangerous.
Vitamin B17 in the treatment of cancer
Amygdaline became popular only because researchers felt that it would help in the treatment of cancer. However, recent discoveries point in the opposite direction. A test conducted on a batch of students pointed out that there was no significant change in the condition of the patients. In fact, in many patients, the size of the tumor had grown. A small set of characteristic side effects were also exhibited though they were not harmful. Among the natural sources of the
vitamin, apricots are rich in amygdaline and as is obvious, they are non poisonous. Since the direct consumption of this
vitamin B17 can be potentially dangerous, many governments including the US Food and Drug Administration have banned the sale of this drug and seek jail sentences for those who attempt to sell this drug illegally.
