Title:Amygdalin from Apricot Kernels Induces Apoptosis and Causes Cell Cycle Arrest in Cancer Cells: An Updated Review
VOLUME: 18 ISSUE: 12
Author(s):Mohammad Saleem*, Jawaria Asif, Muhammad Asif* and Uzma Saleem
Affiliation:Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad
Keywords:Amygdalin, apoptosis, cancer, Bax, caspase-3, Bcl-2.
Abstract: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.
