Introduction to B-17
B-17 is a part of Dr. Edgar Payán's comprehensive ACT Advanced Cancer Treatment program. Amygdalin is a plant substance found in raw nuts, bitter almonds, apricot seeds, and cherry seeds. Plants like lima beans, clover, and sorghum also contain amygdalin. Some people call laetrile vitamin B17, although it is not a vitamin. Laetrile is a synthetic form of amygdalin, which is found naturally in the pits of fruits such as cherries, apricots, and almonds.
Safety and Efficacy
Amygdalin’s properties have been studied for over 100 years and have been used in cancer-related treatments since the 1800s, with studies exploring its role in pain management and cancer treatment. At CMN Hospital, this therapy is considered within the structure of physician-directed care and the patient’s overall inpatient treatment plan.
Treatment decisions are made according to the patient’s diagnosis, prior treatment history, laboratory findings, present condition, tolerance, and clinical response during care.
Mechanism of Action
Amygdalin releases hydrogen cyanide when the body breaks it down. Because too much cyanide can be harmful, laetrile, the synthetic form, was created to reproduce the anti-cancer effects of amygdalin while reducing the risk of cyanide toxicity. Laetrile is administered intravenously rather than orally, which may lower risk because much of the conversion to cyanide happens in the digestive system.
When laetrile enters the body, it is hydrolyzed into prunasin and then converted into mandelonitrile in the small intestine. From there, it is broken down into two key compounds — hydrogen cyanide and benzaldehyde — which have been discussed for their potential role in affecting cancer cells.
When hydrogen cyanide comes into contact with cancer cells, it may inhibit their use of oxygen. Without oxygen, cells cannot replicate. Normal body cells contain an enzyme called rhodanese in the mitochondria, which converts cyanide into a less harmful compound. Cancer cells have been described as rhodanese deficient, which is one reason this therapy has been discussed in cancer-related research.
Cancer cells are also believed to have higher levels of beta-glucosidase and beta-glucuronidase, enzymes involved in breaking laetrile down into hydrogen cyanide. Additionally, laetrile contains benzaldehyde, which has been studied for pain-relieving properties and possible effects on certain cancer cell activity.
Conclusion
Incorporating B-17 into the ACT protocol at CMN Hospital reflects the hospital’s commitment to providing comprehensive, physician-directed cancer care. With a combination of historical use and ongoing scientific interest, the goal is to offer supportive therapies that may help patients during treatment while also considering comfort, tolerance, and quality of life.