Cancer Terms

Laetrille

Cancer Terms -> Drugs and Chemicals -> Pharmacologic Substance -> Drug Natural Product -> Antineoplastic Plant Product -> Cyanoglycoside Agent -> Laetrille

Laetrille Definition

Originally, the name laetrile was the contraction of laevo-mandelonitrile glucoside, a cyanogenic glycoside found naturally in some plants. Over the years the meaning of laetrile has changed. There are now preparations called Laetrile where amygdalin is the major constituent. Laetrile and amygdalin are often used interchangeably, but are different agents. Cyanide and benzaldehyde are metabolites of both laetrile and amygdalin. Both metabolites may possess antineoplastic properties. Laetrile has been used as an anticancer treatment in humans worldwide, but scientific evidence does not support its effectiveness. It is not approved for use in the United States. (NCI04)

Laetrille Synonyms

Laetrile, Laetrille

Terms in Laetrille category



Copyright © Cancer Terms 2014 All rights reserved. | Terms of Use | Low Carb Foods

No reproduction or republication permitted.