Attenuating amygdalin (vitamin B17) toxicity for potential therapeutic uses: insights into controlled release technology-based formulations as a strategy for improving clinical safety.

Abstract

Introduction: Amygdalin, is arguably, one of the most controversial molecules found in nature, with several therapeutic properties, including anticancer, but there are concerns over its toxicity on healthy tissue alike, which warrants a modified approach toward its utilization in therapy.

Areas covered: This review examines a rational approach toward its effective deployment in managing several diseases, anticancer, and anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory effects. The search for relevant articles was conducted by scouting the PubMed and Scopus on published articles from 2014-2025. We capture the key modulatory pathways of amygdalin that conveys several of its therapeutic effects and paradoxically, the observed toxicity in healthy tissue. The review contends that amygdalin remains as a formidable therapeutic contender for treating several diseases, if the dose can be attenuated through controlled release from nanotechnological-based formulation.

Expert opinion: Toxicity concerns and stability associated with amygdalin is best addressed through slow and controlled release from nano-encapsulation delivery systems. A further frontier can involve co or trio- nano-encapsulation of amygdalin with other therapeutic agents, whereby toxicity concerns and drug resistance are simultaneously addressed.