What Is Apricot Kernel? Other Names: Amandes d’Abricot, Amygdalin, Prunus armeniaca

What is Apricot Kernel?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Apricot kernels, derived from the seeds of apricots (Prunus armeniaca), are notable for their diverse applications in both culinary and medicinal contexts. These kernels are rich in bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, fatty acids, and amygdalin, which contribute to their health benefits and potential therapeutic uses. Other names include: Amandes d’Abricot, Amygdalin, Amygdaline, Amygdaloside, Amygdalus armeniaca, Apricot Almonds, Apricot Kernel Oil, Apricot Seed, Armeniaca vulgaris, Bitter Almonds, Bitter Apricot Kernel, Chinese Almond, Graine d’Abricot, Hueso de Albaricoque, Hueso de Albaricoque de Damasco, Huile de Noyau d’Abricot, Laetrile, Laétrile, Madelonitrile, Noyau d’Abricot, Prunus armeniaca, Prunus Kernel, Vitamin B17, Vitamine B17, Xing Ren.

Nutritional and Bioactive Components

Apricot kernels are packed with various bioactive compounds. They contain significant amounts of phenolic compounds and fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health. The phenolic content can vary depending on the processing method, such as microwave roasting, which can reduce the phenolic compounds but increase certain beneficial acids like gallic acid1.

Health Benefits of Apricot Kernel

Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Effects

Apricot kernels exhibit strong antioxidant properties, which help in combating oxidative stress. Studies have shown that apricot kernels can protect the liver from damage induced by toxins like ethanol and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The hepatoprotective effects are attributed to the enhancement of antioxidant defense systems and the reduction of liver damage markers2 4 6.

Gastroprotective Properties

Apricot kernel oil has been found to protect the gastric mucosa against ethanol-induced injuries. This gastroprotective effect is due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-apoptotic properties, which help in reducing gastric lesions and promoting healing7.

Potential in Cancer Therapy

Amygdalin, a compound found in apricot kernels, has garnered attention for its potential anticancer properties. However, it is also a source of hydrogen cyanide, which can be toxic in high doses. Therefore, the therapeutic use of amygdalin requires careful consideration and further research to balance its benefits and risks5.

Applications in Animal Nutrition

Apricot kernel extracts have been used as feed additives in animal nutrition, particularly for growing rabbits. These extracts enhance growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and immune response, making them a promising natural supplement in animal husbandry3 10.

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Adverse Effects of Apricot Kernel

Cyanide Toxicity

Amygdalin Content: Apricot kernels contain amygdalin, which can release hydrogen cyanide (HCN) when metabolized. High doses of amygdalin can lead to cyanide toxicity, which is potentially lethal1.

Toxicity Symptoms: Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, dizziness, confusion, and in severe cases, respiratory failure and death1.

Liver and Kidney Function

Liver Damage: Studies on rats have shown that high doses of apricot kernel extract can affect liver function, indicated by elevated levels of liver enzymes such as GOT and GPT1.

Kidney Function: Similarly, kidney function can be impaired, as evidenced by increased levels of urea, uric acid, and creatinine in the blood1.

Histological Changes

Liver Histology: In rats, apricot kernel administration has shown to cause significant alterations in liver histology, including degeneration of hepatocytes and inflammatory leukocyte infiltration4.

Antioxidant and Oxidative Stress

Oxidative Stress: While apricot kernels have some antioxidant properties, their consumption in high amounts can lead to oxidative stress, particularly in the liver, as seen in studies involving ethanol-induced oxidative stress in rats3.

Hematological Effects

Blood Parameters: Changes in hematological parameters such as white blood cell count, lymphocytes, and platelets have been observed in rats treated with apricot kernel extracts, indicating potential adverse effects on the immune system4.

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How has Apricot Kernel Improved Patient Outcomes?

Liver Health and Fibrosis

Improvement in Liver Function: Ground apricot kernel (GAK) supplementation in rats with dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced hepatic fibrosis improved liver function markers, lipid peroxides, and antioxidant enzyme levels (CAT, SOD, GSH). The highest dose (1.5 mg/kg/BW) yielded the best results, suggesting a dose-dependent effect1.

Histological Improvements: Histological examination confirmed that GAK supplementation led to significant improvements in liver tissue structure, reducing fibrosis and promoting healthier liver histology1.

Hepatoprotective Effects

Vitamin B17 (Amygdalin/Laetrile): Found in apricot kernels, Vitamin B17 demonstrated hepatoprotective effects in mice with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-induced liver injury. It reduced DNA damage, liver enzyme levels (AST, ALT, ALP), and improved antioxidant enzyme activities (cytochrome b5, cytochrome P450)2.

Histopathological Benefits: Pre-treatment and co-treatment with Vitamin B17 led to moderate to mild improvements in liver histology, reducing fibrosis, necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration2.

Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Role Against Oxidative Stress

Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Stress: Apricot kernel supplementation in rats exposed to ethanol-induced oxidative stress showed hepatoprotective effects by reducing serum liver damage markers (AST, ALT, GGT, LDH) and restoring antioxidant defense systems (GSH, GR, SOD, GST, GPX)3.

Antioxidant Defense: The supplementation helped balance the oxidative stress markers (MDA) and antioxidant systems, particularly in tissues, indicating a protective role against oxidative damage3.

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Apricot Kernel Mechanisms of Action

Antioxidant Mechanism

Apricot kernels contain high levels of phenolic compounds and fatty acids, which contribute to their antioxidant activity. These compounds help in reducing oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals and enhancing the body’s antioxidant defense systems, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH)1 2 3 5.

Anti-inflammatory Mechanism

Apricot kernel oil has been shown to reduce inflammation by decreasing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10. This anti-inflammatory effect helps in protecting tissues from damage and promoting healing3 4.

Anti-apoptotic Mechanism

The anti-apoptotic properties of apricot kernels are evident in their ability to reduce cell death in tissues exposed to harmful agents. This is achieved by decreasing the number of TUNEL-positive cells, which are markers of apoptosis, and reducing the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)3.

Hepatoprotective Effects

Apricot kernels have been found to protect the liver from damage induced by ethanol and other toxic agents. This hepatoprotective effect is attributed to their ability to restore the balance between oxidative stress markers (like malondialdehyde, MDA) and antioxidant systems, thereby improving liver function and reducing liver enzyme levels (AST, ALT, GGT, LDH)1 5.

Gastroprotective Effects

Apricot kernel oil also exhibits gastroprotective properties by reducing gastric lesions and ulceration caused by ethanol. This is achieved through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, which help in maintaining the integrity of the gastric mucosa3.

Nutrient Digestibility and Growth Performance

In animal studies, apricot kernel extracts have been shown to enhance nutrient digestibility, growth performance, and immune response. These benefits are linked to the bioactive phytochemicals present in the kernels, which improve overall health and growth efficiency4.

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Common Complaints Associated with Apricot Kernel Use

Cyanide Poisoning: Apricot kernels contain amygdalin, which can convert to cyanide in the body, leading to symptoms of cyanide poisoning such as nausea, headache, dizziness, and in severe cases, even death. This is a significant risk and a primary concern with apricot kernel consumption.

Digestive Issues: Some users report gastrointestinal discomfort, including stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea, after consuming apricot kernels. This could be due to the body’s reaction to the compounds present in the kernels.

Allergic Reactions: As with many nuts and seeds, apricot kernels can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Symptoms may include itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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