health benefits of cyanide -- Re: 1984: Starlink First Partner: Local Cops and State Military

[Zenaan Harkness]

> 	What you're saying is that the most corrupt members of the US oligarchy can "do a great deal of good for libertarian causes", which makes as much sense as saying that eating cyanide is great for your health. 

Well actually, there's a debate about apricot kernels amygdalin (cyanide precursor) being an anti-cancer treatment - see also cyanocobalamin - but the problems are looking less than encouraging (even setting aside the concentration of amygdalin into tablet form):

   APRICOT KERNEL
   https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1190/apricot-kernel
      Apricot kernel is the hard stone or pit found inside apricots. The kernel is used to produce oil and other chemicals used for medicinal purposes.
      Apricot kernel is commonly taken by mouth or given as an injection into the veins for treating cancer. But research shows that apricot kernel is not safe to use and does not seem to help treat cancer.
      Apricot kernel extract is used as a flavoring in liqueur.
      How does it work?
      Apricot kernel contains a toxic chemical known as amygdalin. In the body this chemical is converted to cyanide, which is poisonous. There was interest in using apricot kernel to fight cancer because it was thought that amygdalin was taken up first by cancer cells and converted to cyanide. It was hoped that the cyanide would harm only the tumor. But research has shown that this is not true. The amygdalin is actually converted to cyanide in the stomach. The cyanide then goes throughout the body, where it can cause serious harm, including death.


[The following has a LOT of information and links not included here:]
   Can apricot seeds help treat cancer?
   https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314337
      ... There is currently no research to support the claim that apricot seeds can fight cancer. Furthermore, scientists have warned that a compound in the apricot kernel converts to cyanide in the body at levels that could be harmful.
      ... Can they help fight cancer?
      Apricot kernels may have some health benefits, and some people have suggested that they may help fight cancer.
      Scientists have proposed that a compound called amygdalin, present in apricot kernels, may be a way to eradicate tumors and prevent cancer by stopping cells from reproducing.
      A laboratory study published in 2005 suggested that amygdalin might inhibit genes that lead to cell proliferation.
      In 2012, a laboratory study found that enhancing amygdalin with β-D-glucosidase may make it useful in treating liver cancer.
      ... Cyanide kills cells in the human body by preventing them from using oxygen. Cyanide is particularly harmful to the heart and the brain because they use a lot of oxygen.
      ... Estimates state that eating 50 to 60 apricot kernels could deliver a lethal dose of cyanide. Cyanide poisoning can occur at much lower levels, however.
      Commercial sources that promote the consumption of raw apricot kernels recommend between 6 and 10 kernels per day. Some recommend more for people with cancer, but this can be dangerous.
      People who follow these dose recommendations are likely to be exposed to cyanide levels that cause cyanide poisoning.
      The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have warned that a single serving of three small apricot kernels or one large apricot kernel could put adults over the suggested safe levels of cyanide exposure, while one small kernel could be toxic to an infant.
      The EFSA advise that no one should consume more than 20 micrograms (mcg) of cyanide per kilogram of body weight at one time. This limits consumption to one kernel for adults. Even half a kernel would be over the limit for children.
      Researchers note that the seeds of bitter apricots have a particularly high level of amygdalin at 5.5 grams (g) in every 100 g.
      ...     “Cyanide poisoning associated with ingestion of apricot seeds is an important poison in children, many of whom require intensive care.”


   Effects of the Gut microbiota on Amygdalin and its use as an anti-cancer therapy: Substantial review on the key components involved in altering dose efficacy and toxicity
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5986699/
      Abstract
      Conventional and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is popularly used due to side-effects and failure of approved methods, for diseases like Epilepsy and Cancer. Amygdalin, a cyanogenic diglycoside is commonly administered for cancer with other CAM therapies like vitamins and seeds of fruits like apricots and bitter almonds, due to its ability to hydrolyse to hydrogen cyanide (HCN), benzaldehyde and glucose. Over the years, several cases of cyanide toxicity on ingestion have been documented. In-vitro and in-vivo studies using various doses and modes of administration, like IV administration studies that showed no HCN formation, point to the role played by the gut microbiota for the commonly seen poisoning on consumption. The anaerobic Bacteriodetes phylum found in the gut has a high β-glucosidase activity needed for amygdalin hydrolysis to HCN.
      However, there are certain conditions under which these HCN levels rise to cause toxicity.
      Case studies have shown toxicity on ingestion of variable doses of amygdalin and no HCN side-effects on consumption of high doses.
      This review shows how factors like probiotic and prebiotic consumption, other CAM therapies, obesity, diet, age and the like, that alter gut consortium, are responsible for the varying conditions under which toxicity occurs and can be further studied to set-up conditions for safe oral doses. It also indicates ways to delay or quickly treat cyanide toxicity due to oral administration and, reviews conflicts on amygdalin's anti-cancer abilities, dose levels, mode of administration and pharmacokinetics that have hindered its official acceptance at a therapeutic level.


   Physician Beware: Severe Cyanide Toxicity from Amygdalin Tablets Ingestion
   https://www.hindawi.com/journals/criem/2017/4289527/
      Abstract
      Despite the risk of cyanide toxicity and lack of efficacy, amygdalin is still used as alternative cancer treatment. Due to the highly lethal nature of cyanide toxicity, many patients die before getting medical care. Herein, we describe the case of a 73-year-old female with metastatic pancreatic cancer who developed cyanide toxicity from taking amygdalin. Detailed history and physical examination prompted rapid clinical recognition and treatment with hydroxocobalamin, leading to resolution of her cyanide toxicity. Rapid clinical diagnosis and treatment of cyanide toxicity can rapidly improve patients’ clinical outcome and survival. Inquiries for any forms of ingestion should be attempted in patients with clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of poisoning.
      ...