Amygdalin98%
[Herb source]:First isolated from bitter almnds ,seeds of Prunus amygdalus (Rosaceae);the sugar moiety is gentiobiose ;this is typical for seeds of many members of Rosaceae,and trace amounts may be preent in the fleshy parts of fruits ,in bark and leaves;also it is found in subterranean parts of Gerbera jamesomii cultivars (Compositae )together with vicianin(q.v.)and prunasin(q.v.).An isomer of amygdalin with sophorose(q.v.)instead of gentiobiose(q.v.) as the leaves of Perilla frutescens (Labiatae).
[Synonyms]:Amygdaloside;Mandelonitrile-β-gentiobioside
[Structural formula]:
[Molecular Formula]: C20H27NO11
[Molecular Weight]: 457.44
[Physics Properties]:square crystal ,melting point 2000C, soluble in the water ,ethanol, hardly soluble in the aether.
[Pharmacology function]:It has been used ,interchangeably with mandelonitrile-β-glucuronide ,as the drug “laetrile”for treating cancer ,but is ineffective .Amygdalin is responsible for the bitterness and toxicity of the seeds of bitter almond (100umolg-1)and of apricots (20-80umol g-1).Minimum lethal dose to human of hydrogen cyanide is 0.5-3.5 mg per kg body weight.