Benefits and Functions of Apricot Kernels:
1. Cough Suppression and Bronchodilation
Bitter almonds contain amygdalin, which is hydrolyzed in the body by intestinal microbial enzymes or amygdalinase within the almond itself. This produces trace amounts of hydrogen cyanide and benzaldehyde, which inhibit the respiratory center, thereby suppressing coughs and alleviating asthma.
2. Effects on the Digestive System
Almonds have a bitter taste that promotes downward movement of qi and are rich in fatty oils. These oils enhance the lubricating effect of intestinal contents on the mucosa, giving almonds a laxative function that promotes bowel movements.Benzoin possesses analgesic properties. Consequently, some practitioners in China use bitter almonds to alleviate suffering in patients with advanced liver cancer, with some patients even eliminating the need for pain medication.
4. Antitumor Effects
Research on the antitumor mechanisms of almonds primarily focuses on the following aspects:
① Some scholars suggest that cancer cells contain high levels of β-glucosidase. This enzyme hydrolyzes amygdalin to produce hydrogen cyanide (HCN), benzaldehyde, and glucose. Since cancer cells lack thiocyanate synthase, HCN is released.glucosidase, which hydrolyzes amygdalin to produce hydrogen cyanide (HCN), benzaldehyde, and glucose. Cancer cells lack thiocyanate synthase, an enzyme that detoxifies HCN by converting it into non-toxic thiocyanate compounds. In contrast, normal cells lack β-glucosidase but possess abundant thiocyanate synthase. Based on this theory, amygdalin should selectively kill cancer cells while causing minimal harm to normal cells.β-glucosidase but possess abundant thiocyanate synthase. According to this theory, amygdalin should selectively kill cancer cells while causing minimal harm to normal cells.
② Amygdalin assists pancreatic enzymes in digesting the mucinous membrane surrounding cancer cells, enabling white blood cells to more readily access and phagocytose these cells.③ It has been observed that amygdalin, similar to NaSCN and NaOCN, can affect thymidine nucleoside incorporation into liver tumor cell DNA and tumor cells' uptake of phosphates and amino acids. 5. Hypoglycemic Effects Amygdalin possesses the ability to prevent and treat diabetes induced by the antitumor drug streptozotocin.Using a mouse model of hyperglycemia induced by streptozotocin, pre-treatment with 3 g/kg amygdalin administered intraperitoneally 48 hours prior significantly suppressed streptozotocin-induced blood glucose elevation. The inhibitory effect was concentration-dependent and correlated with circulating amygdalin levels.
6. Hypolipidemic Effects
Clinical reports indicate that almonds significantly reduce lipid levels in hyperlipidemic patients. Spiller (1990) suggested that the monounsaturated fatty acids in almonds help lower mildly elevated lipids without strict dietary restrictions.
7. Cosmetic Effects
Based on the theory that the lungs govern the skin and hair, certain skin conditions can be treated clinically by promoting lung function. Combining almond consumption often yields rapid results. Modern research confirms that the fatty oils in bitter almonds soften the skin's stratum corneum, moisturize dry skin, protect peripheral nerve vessels and tissues, and inhibit bacteria.Additionally, the HCN produced by enzymatic hydrolysis inhibits active tyrosinase in the body, eliminating pigmentation, freckles, and dark spots, thereby achieving cosmetic benefits.
8. Other Effects
Amygdalin exhibits antimutagenic properties, reducing the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes induced by drugs such as analgin, metronidazole, and mitomycin C.
Bitter almond oil also exhibits anthelmintic and antibacterial properties. In vitro tests demonstrate its lethal effect on human roundworms and earthworms, along with antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi. Almonds further possess anti-pinworm and anti-trichomoniasis effects, and are used to treat aplastic anemia.
Side Effects of Bitter Apricot Kernels:
Apricot kernels, bitter and warm in nature, promote lung function and moisten the intestines to relieve constipation. They are only suitable for treating conditions like wind-induced disorders and intestinal dryness. Individuals with yin deficiency or pent-up heat should avoid long-term internal use of this single herb. Prolonged use is contraindicated for conditions such as pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchitis, chronic enteritis, or dry cough without phlegm.