Dried Apricot Seeds (Amygdalin / "B17")

• Supporters believe amygdalin may target cancer cells, though this hasn't held up in reliable human studies.
• They're often talked about for prostate cancer specifically, but there isn't clinical evidence to back that up yet.
• Apricot kernels do contain some vitamin E and healthy fats, though that alone doesn't make them a cancer treatment.

Most health authorities, including the FDA, currently advise against eating bitter apricot seeds. If it's something you're considering, it's best to talk it through with your oncologist first so it can be done safely. You may also want to do more research from trusted medical sources to make a fully informed decision.

The key thing to be aware of is that amygdalin turns into cyanide in the body, so apricot kernels can cause cyanide poisoning — with symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and, in serious cases, much worse. The FDA issued a 2024 safety warning about high amygdalin levels in some apricot-seed products, and a Cochrane review found the risks outweigh any benefit. It's best not to rely on it as a treatment or in place of proven care.