A poisonous substance that releases cyanide when acted upon by enzymes in the body. It is an active ingredient of Laetrile an unproven treatment for cancer.
A bitter-tasting glycoside derived from the pit or other seed parts of several plants, including almonds and apricots. Amygdalin, from which the poisonous hydrocyanic acid can be produced by enzymatic action, is the substance known in the U.S. as laetrile. Amygdalin has no therapeutic or nutritional value.