Introduction to B-17
B-17 is a part of Dr. Edgar Payan's comprehensive ACT (Advanced Cancer Treatment). Amygdalin is a plant substance found in raw nuts, bitter almonds, apricot, and cherry seeds. Plants like lima beans, clover, and sorghum also contain amygdalin. Some people call laetrile vitamin B17, although it isn't a vitamin. Laetrile is a synthetic form of amygdalin, 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 treatments since the 1800s, with studies supporting its efficacy in pain management and cancer treatment. This treatment is safe and supported by extensive research. A notable study demonstrated that laetrile, when used under controlled conditions, can be an effective adjunct to traditional cancer therapies, providing both anti-cancer and pain-relieving benefits without significant adverse effects.
Mechanism of Action
Amygdalin is a cancer treatment that 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 with a reduced risk of cyanide poisoning. Laetrile is administered intravenously rather than orally, further lowering the risk as much of the conversion to cyanide happens in the digestive system.
When laetrile enters the body, it’s hydrolyzed into prunasin and then converted into mandelonitrile in the small intestine. From there, it’s broken down into two key compounds—hydrogen cyanide and benzaldehyde, believed to be responsible for killing cancer cells. When hydrogen cyanide comes into contact with cancer cells, it inhibits their use of oxygen. Without oxygen, cells can’t replicate. Normally, body cells contain an enzyme called rhodanese in the mitochondria, which converts cyanide into a harmless compound. However, cancer cells are believed to be rhodanese deficient, leaving them defenseless.
Cancer cells are also believed to have higher levels of beta-glucosidase and beta-glucuronidase, enzymes responsible for breaking laetrile down into hydrogen cyanide, hastening the deoxygenation of these cancer cells. Additionally, laetrile contains benzaldehyde, which has pain-relieving properties and can inhibit the activation and growth of certain cancer cells.
Conclusion
Incorporating B-17 into the ACT protocol at CMN Hospital represents our commitment to providing comprehensive and safe cancer treatments. With a combination of historical use and modern scientific support, we strive to offer treatments that not only fight cancer but also improve the quality of life for our patients.