What is Apricot Kernel Extract?

Apricot Kernel Extract is derived from apricot seeds and typically contains amygdalin, also marketed as laetrile or “Vitamin B17.” In the body, amygdalin can be broken down into compounds that may release cyanide.

Does Apricot Kernel Extract have proven health benefits?

No proven clinical benefits have been established in controlled human studies. Claims such as anticancer effects are not supported by reliable clinical evidence.

Why is Apricot Kernel Extract considered dangerous?

It can lead to cyanide poisoning, which can be severe and life-threatening. Risk may increase with higher intake or when combined with other sources that affect cyanide metabolism.

What are signs of possible cyanide poisoning from apricot kernel products?

Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, weakness, confusion, and breathing difficulty. Seek urgent medical care if poisoning is suspected.

Who should avoid Apricot Kernel Extract?

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, children, and anyone with underlying health conditions should avoid it due to toxicity risk. Anyone considering it should consult a qualified clinician, especially if taking medications or other supplements.

313 science-backed nutrients

3251 sources considered

Evidence-graded information

Explore by goal or category

Find a nutrient

313 nutrients total

Vitamin B

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Vitamin A & Carotenoids

Vitamin C

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Vitamin K

Vitaminoids

Trimethylglycine (Betaine)

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ)

D-Chiro-Inositol

Coenzym Q10 (Ubiquinone)

Betaine HCL

Nicotinamide Riboside

Vitamin B8 (Myo-Inositol)

Choline

Citicoline (CDP-Choline)

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol)

Calcium

Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate

Magnesium

Magnesium Bisglycinate

Magnesium L-Threonate

Trace Minerals

Copper (Bisglycinate)

Chromium Picolinate

Manganese (Bisglycinate)

Zinc

Pentadecanoic Acid (C15:0)

Phosphatidylserine

R-Alpha Lipoic Acid

Black Cumin Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Ceratiq wheat oil extract

Phospholipids

Algae Oil

Fish Oil

Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

Alpha-Linolenic Acid

Gamma-Linolenic Acid

Omega-3

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

AminoMar

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)

Essential Amino Acids

Conditionally Essential Amino Acids

L-Theanine

Non-Essential Amino Acids

Beta-Alanine

L-Cysteine Hydrochloride

Amino Acid Derivative

Taurine

Creatine (Hydrochloride)

L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate

Creatine (Monohydrate)

Akkermansia muciniphila

Lactobacillus Reuteri

Probiotics

Bifidobacterium longum BB536

Prebiotics

Stinging Nettle Extract

Pomegranate Polyphenols

Red Beet Extract

Pine Extract (Pycnogenol)

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC)

Ashwagandha Root Extract

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Citrus Sinensis Extract

Horsetail Stem Extract

Flax Seed Extract

Sulforaphane Glucosinolate

Garlic Extract

Black Pepper

Apricot Kernel Extract

Lovage

Spiny Rest Harrow Root Extract

Juniper Berry Extract

Bearberry Leaf Extract

White Kidney Bean Extract

Lady’s Mantle Extract

Bitter Orange Extract

St. John’s Wort Extract

Japanese Knotweed Extract

Hydroxytyrosol/tyrosol

Olive extract

Sesame seed lignan extract

Broccoli Sprout Extract

Cranberry Extract

Flavon Glycosides

Gentian Root Extract

Griffonia simplicifolia Extract

Ajuga Turkestanica Extract

Amaranthus Leaf Extract

Banaba Extract

Boswellia Extract

Capsaicin

Cayenne Pepper Extract

Celery Extract

Ceylon Cinnamon Extract

Chamomile Extract

Charantin

Chinese Goldthread Root Extract

Citrus Aurantium Extract

Cocoa Extract

Cyanotis Arachnoidea Extract

Fadogia Agrestis Extract

Garcinia Cambogia Extract

Goldenrod Extract

Green Tea Extract

Guarana Extract

Horse Chestnut Extract

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grape Vine Leaf Extract

Green Tea Polyphenols

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)

Adaptogens

Cordyceps sinensis extract

Ginsenoside

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Ginseng Extract

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)

Tribulus Terrestris Extract

Rhodiola rosea

Panax Ginseng Extract

Mushrooms

Reishi Extract

Astragalus Polysaccharides

Hyaluronic Acid

Glucosamine Sulfate

Chondroitin Sulfate

Glucosamine Sulphate 2KCL

Apricot Kernel
Extract

Limited research available·3/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

Apricot kernel extract (mainly amygdalin/laetrile) is a controversial supplement with significant cyanide poisoning risks and no proven clinical benefit.

Anti-inflammatory Cancer-inhibitor

dose range

0–0

Consumption

Use is not recommended due to toxicity risk; no safe intake established.

Not fat-soluble.

Best time

—

There is no safe timing or dosage.

Description

Apricot kernel extract is derived from apricot seeds and contains amygdalin (often called laetrile or 'Vitamin B17'). It's promoted mainly for anticancer properties but is unproven and associated with dangerous cyanide toxicity.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Limited

Note on evidence

Clinical evidence does not support benefits; toxicity is well-documented.

No established clinical benefits

Limited

Despite claims of anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects, controlled human studies have not validated any health benefits for apricot kernel extract. Potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects are based solely on preliminary animal or in vitro evidence, and there is no reliable human data supporting medicinal use.

Particularly relevant for: None

1 · NIH Cancer.gov—Laetrile/Amygdalin (PDQ®)2 · PubMed: Amygdalin attenuates inflammatory responses in animal models 3 · PubMed: Amygdalin: Acute and chronic toxicity and analgesic effects in rats

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

Use of apricot kernel extract is unsafe for most people due to the risk of severe and potentially fatal cyanide toxicity.

warning notices

Serious risk of cyanide poisoning at commonly promoted doses.
Deaths and severe side effects reported, especially in children.
No clinical benefit established for any health condition.
Contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and people with liver or kidney issues.
Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding due to severe toxicity risk.
Avoid use if you have liver or kidney disease.
Risk of cyanide poisoning; use only under strict clinical supervision, if at all.
May cause serious side effects, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and potentially fatal toxicity.
Monitor for signs of poisoning (confusion, difficulty breathing, weakness) if accidentally ingested.

Known interactions with medications

Drugs that impair cyanide metabolism (e.g., sodium nitroprusside, certain antibiotics).

Contraindications / special precautions

Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Persons with liver or kidney disease
Children

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

Major risk of toxicity and possible interaction with medications that affect cyanide metabolism.

Increased risk of cyanide poisoning with concurrent use of drugs that inhibit cyanide metabolism.

drug · Cyanide metabolism inhibitors

AvoidLimited

Why

Apricot kernel extract releases cyanide in the body, and any medication that impairs cyanide clearance may greatly increase toxicity risk.

recommendation

Avoid all drugs that slow cyanide metabolism when using apricot kernel extract.

1 · NIH Cancer.gov—Laetrile/Amygdalin (PDQ®)

mechanisms of action

Brief explanations of how it works

Cyanide generation from amygdalin

Apricot kernel extract contains amygdalin, which is metabolized into hydrogen cyanide in the body, leading to toxic effects.

1 · NIH Cancer.gov—Laetrile/Amygdalin (PDQ®)5 · EFSA—Scientific Opinion on hydrocyanic acid in apricot kernels

Sources & References

Primary literature and reviews on which these statements are based

6 sources

NIH Cancer.gov—Laetrile/Amygdalin (PDQ®)

PubMed: Amygdalin attenuates inflammatory responses in animal models

PubMed: Amygdalin: Acute and chronic toxicity and analgesic effects in rats

WebMD: Apricot Kernel

EFSA—Scientific Opinion on hydrocyanic acid in apricot kernels

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center—Laetrile

Last updated: February 8, 2026

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.