VIT B 17

A vitamin that helps fight cancer.

Vit B17 capsules 500mg.

Vit B 17, which has anti-cancer properties, is present in apricot cernel.

Important information for people who want to know more.

Vitamin B17, also known as amygdalin or laetrile (a semi-synthetic derivative), is a cyanogenic glycoside found naturally in apricot kernels, bitter almonds, apple seeds, and other plants. It is not a true vitamin, as it serves no essential nutritional role in the body and has been falsely labeled as such to evade regulatory scrutiny. Proponents claim it has anticancer properties, primarily based on theories from the mid-20th century, but extensive scientific research has largely debunked these assertions, showing no reliable evidence of efficacy against cancer while highlighting significant risks of toxicity. Below, I'll outline the proposed mechanisms, supporting claims from alternative medicine advocates, counter-evidence from clinical studies, and the broader scientific consensus.

Proposed Mechanisms of Action Against Cancer

Advocates, including figures like G. Edward Griffin in his 1974 book World Without Cancer, argue that amygdalin works selectively against cancer cells through cyanide release. The main theories include:

Enzyme-Mediated Selective Toxicity (Beta-Glucosidase/Rhodanese Hypothesis): Cancer cells are said to contain high levels of the enzyme beta-glucosidase, which breaks down amygdalin into glucose, benzaldehyde, and hydrogen cyanide (HCN). The cyanide is purported to poison and kill cancer cells by inhibiting cellular respiration. In contrast, healthy cells have low beta-glucosidase but high levels of rhodanese, an enzyme that detoxifies cyanide into harmless thiocyanate, sparing them from harm. This is often described as a "targeted" or "natural" chemotherapy.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+5 more.
Beta-Glucuronidase Variant: A related theory posits that amygdalin is converted in the liver to a glucuronide complex, which is then hydrolyzed by beta-glucuronidase (abundant in cancer cells) to release cyanide locally at tumor sites.en.wikipedia.orgcancer.gov.
Vitamin Deficiency Theory: Cancer is allegedly caused by a deficiency of "vitamin B17," and supplementing it prevents or reverses the disease by blocking nutrient sources to tumors, decomposing carcinogens, or stimulating the immune system. This is tied to metabolic therapies involving special diets, high-dose vitamins, and pancreatic enzymes.journals.lww.com+3 more.
Acidity and Lysosome Disruption: Cyanide from amygdalin purportedly increases tumor acidity, leading to the destruction of lysosomes (cellular organelles) in cancer cells, causing cell death and potentially boosting immunity.mdpi.comcancer.gov

Recent in vitro and animal studies from proponents suggest additional mechanisms, such as inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death), inhibiting cell adhesion and proliferation (e.g., in breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer models), downregulating proteins like Bax or MAPK/p38, reducing iron levels in tumors, or modulating gene expression related to growth factors like TGF-beta or VEGF.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+4 more These effects are sometimes enhanced when combined with nanoparticles, folic acid, or other compounds.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Scientific Evidence and Studies

While some lab and animal studies show modest cytotoxicity or apoptosis in specific cancer cell lines (e.g., a 2021 study noting increased pro-apoptotic proteins), these are inconsistent and not replicated in humans.verywellhealth.comcancer.gov National Cancer Institute (NCI)-sponsored animal trials in the 1970s found no significant antitumor activity across various rodent models, with or without added enzymes.cancer.gov.

Human clinical data is overwhelmingly negative:

No controlled clinical trials (comparing treated vs. untreated groups) exist.mskcc.org+4 more.
A 1977 blinded trial showed no more activity than placebo.en.wikipedia.org.
The 1982 Mayo Clinic phase II trial (175 patients with advanced cancers) reported no cures, improvements, or stabilizations; tumors progressed in nearly all cases, with survival averaging 4.8 months.cancer.gov+2 more.
A 2015 Cochrane review of over 200 studies concluded no benefits, only risks.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+8 more.

Proponents often cite anecdotal successes or conspiracy theories (e.g., suppression by pharmaceutical interests), but these lack substantiation.cpp-college.netlify.app+3 more Switching to alternative treatments like amygdalin reduces survival odds compared to conventional therapies.science.feedback.org

Risks and Side Effects

Amygdalin is metabolized into cyanide, leading to poisoning symptoms: nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, low blood pressure, liver damage, nerve damage (e.g., difficulty walking), fever, coma, and death. Oral forms are 40 times more toxic than intravenous due to gut bacteria enhancing cyanide release; concurrent intake of vitamin C or amygdalin-rich foods (e.g., raw almonds) worsens this.medicalnewstoday.com+11 more Fatal doses can occur with 50-60 apricot kernels or high oral doses.webmd.comen.wikipedia.org.

Consensus and Recommendations

The FDA, NCI, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Cancer Research UK, and European Commission deem amygdalin ineffective, unapproved, and banned for interstate commerce in the US since 1980 (and sales in the UK/EU).mskcc.org+5 more It is considered quackery, with no further research recommended on ethical grounds.cpp-college.netlify.app+3 more Consult a healthcare professional before considering any alternative treatments, as they may delay proven therapies.

The shelf life of a 500mg vitamin B17 (amygdalin) tablet is typically 2 years from the date of manufacture when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. This is based on manufacturer guidelines for similar products, where the tablet retains its potency and properties during this period if sealed properly.

After 2 years, the tablet may begin to lose its properties due to potential epimerization (a reversible structural change to neoamygdalin) or gradual degradation, though amygdalin itself is relatively stable in solid tablet form with minimal hydrolysis under proper storage conditions. Factors like exposure to humidity, high temperatures, or light can accelerate this process, potentially reducing effectiveness sooner. Always check the product's best-by or expiration date and consult a manufacturer for specific batch details.

Ingredient

Vitamin B17 (Amygdalin)

Protein

Total Fat

Carbohydrates

Dietary Fiber

Vitamin E

Other Minerals (e.g., Magnesium, Iron, Calcium)

Other Ingredients

Amount in One Bitter Apricot Kernel (approx. 0.5g)

~10-30 mg (typically around 20 mg, varying by cultivar and size)

~0.125 g

~0.25 g (including oleic acid ~0.15 g, linoleic acid ~0.08 g)

~0.07 g

~0.04 g

~0.02-0.2 mg

Trace amounts (e.g., Mg ~1.5 mg, Fe ~0.02 mg, Ca ~0.04 mg)

Natural compounds like pangamic acid, essential fatty acids

Amount in One 500mg Vitamin B17 Capsule

500 mg

0 g (or negligible if fillers include any)

Negligible (may include small amounts from fillers like tapioca starch or cellulose)

0 g

0 g (except possibly trace from excipients)

Fillers such as magnesium stearate, silica, tapioca starch, or cellulose (amounts vary by brand, typically 50-200 mg total capsule content beyond amygdalin)

Soursop Leaf tea

Inredible cancer fighting food!

Soursop leaf tea bags are made from the dried leaves of the soursop tree (Annona muricata), also known as graviola or guanabana, a tropical plant native to regions like Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. The leaves are brewed into a tea that's often marketed as a natural remedy with various health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. In alternative medicine circles, it's particularly promoted for its supposed cancer-fighting abilities, with tea bags available online or in health stores as an easy way to consume the leaves' compounds.

Proponents claim that soursop leaf tea can help fight cancer due to bioactive compounds like annonaceous acetogenins (e.g., annomuricin A-E, muricatocin A-C), alkaloids, flavonoids, and sterols found in the leaves. These are said to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, inhibit proliferation and metastasis, cause cell cycle arrest (often at G0/G1 phase), and disrupt mitochondrial function, leading to reduced tumor growth. Some advocates reference traditional uses in Caribbean and South American cultures for treating infections, rheumatism, and even cancers like breast, prostate, and colorectal, suggesting the tea acts as a "natural chemotherapy" that's selective to cancer cells without harming healthy ones.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+2 more

Scientific evidence is mixed but largely preliminary. In vitro (lab) studies have shown extracts from soursop leaves exhibiting cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines, such as breast (e.g., MCF-7, MDA-MB-231), prostate (PC-3), colorectal (HT-29, HCT-116), lung (A549), leukemia (U-937), pancreatic, liver, and skin cancers. Mechanisms include activation of caspases 3/7/9, upregulation of Bax (pro-apoptotic protein), downregulation of Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic), inhibition of EGFR and p-ERK signaling, reduced glucose uptake, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to cell death. In vivo (animal) studies, like those on mice with breast cancer xenografts or rats with induced colorectal tumors, reported tumor inhibition (e.g., 32% reduction in some models) and reduced aberrant crypt foci, with effects enhanced by antioxidants or other pathways.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+2 more However, human studies are scarce and inconclusive—a 2015 systematic review noted positive lab results but stressed the need for clinical trials, while a case report described disease stabilization in one metastatic breast cancer patient using boiled leaf tea alongside chemotherapy, but this isn't robust evidence.cancerresearchuk.org+2 more Overall, no large-scale, controlled human trials exist to confirm efficacy against cancer.

Risks and side effects are a major concern. Soursop leaves contain neurotoxic alkaloids like annonacin, which can cause movement disorders resembling Parkinson's disease, nerve damage, and myeloneuropathy, as seen in lab and animal studies where long-term ingestion promoted tau protein aggregation and neurodegeneration.mskcc.org+2 more Other potential issues include liver and kidney damage, low blood pressure, hypoglycemia (especially risky for diabetics), nausea, vomiting, and interactions with medications like antihypertensives or antidiabetics, amplifying their effects. It may also interfere with imaging tests like PET scans by altering radioactivity uptake.mskcc.orgcancerresearchuk.org While occasional tea from food-grade sources is unlikely to cause harm in a normal diet, supplements or high doses are riskier.

The broader scientific consensus, from organizations like Cancer Research UK, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the National Cancer Institute, and reviews in sources like Cochrane, is that soursop leaf tea is not a proven cancer treatment and should not replace conventional therapies like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.cancerresearchuk.org+4 more Claims are often based on anecdotal evidence or overhyped lab results, and using it could delay effective care, worsening outcomes. Always consult a healthcare professional before trying it, especially if you have cancer or are on medications.