Laetrile: the cult of cyanide Promoting poison for profit
1979; Elsevier BV; Volume: 32; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1093/ajcn/32.5.1121
ISSN1938-3207
Autores Tópico(s)Pesticide Exposure and Toxicity
ResumoLaetrile, or amygdalin, is a cyanogenetic glycoside found in the kernels of apricot pits, other stone fruits, and nuts. is not a vitamin, as some claim, but a poison that can lead to death; it can cause cancer, which it is reputed to cure. The author points out the dangers of laetrile and condemns the quacks who advocate its use in curing cancer. The Laetrile Cult, which is compared with the People's Temple cult in Guyana, capitalizes on the weakness of ill persons and makes profits from their misery, using anecdotal and testimonial claims as of laetrile's powers. is a fake cancer cure, sometimes exhibiting a temporary placebo effect which is mistaken as proof of its effectiveness. Laboratory diagnosis and clinical signs of cyanide poisoning, one of the possible effects of laetrile, are discussed and several case studies are presented
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