Abstract

A CONCEALED FACT ON ROLE OF VITAMIN B17 IN TREATMENT OF CANCER

Gnana Chaitanya C., Dhivya K.*, Nazma M., Lakshmi Prasanna S. and Divya Sree P.

ABSTRACT

Vitamins are required for normal metabolic function and growth. Cancer is a disease caused by an uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells. Amygdalin (vitamin B17) is a plant glycoside isolated from many natural sources. It is claimed to be effective in treatment of cancer by many alternative therapists. A chance for cyanide toxicity is found to be much higher when vitamin B17 is administered through oral route, it rarely occurs by injection. Amygdalin on oral administration leads to elevation in serum cyanide levels. Patients exposed to this agent should be instructed about the danger of cyanide poisoning and their blood cyanide levels should be carefully monitored. The aim of this review is to summarize all types of clinical data related to the positive and negative effects of vitamin B17 in treating cancer.

Keywords: Vitamin B17, cancer, antineoplastic effect, cyanide toxicity.