SC - poison in peach pits

[Decker, Terry D.]

Laetrile from apricot pits.  A hydrocyanic glucoside originally extracted
from apricot pits in 1952 by Ernest Krebs.  It is also known as amygdalin
and Vitamin B-17.

Apricot pits contain about 6% cyanide present as cyanogen groups in various
organic compounds.  In general, this does not present a threat as the human
body uses a number of these compounds.  There is one exception.  Crushed and
moistened pits will hydrolize some of the cyanogenic coumpounds creating
hydrocyanic acid.  According to one poison center, 100g (about 1/4 pound) of
crushed and moistened seed will produce 217mg of hydrocyanic acid, enough to
kill a 700 pound man if ingested at one time.

**************
It was the inner seed of the peach pit, ground, that dressed itself as a 
cancer cure for Lukeimia (sp?) several years ago. <clipped>

Lars 
*************

Cyanide appears in most (if not all) living things as cyanogen groups in
various organic compounds.  Hydrocyanic acid is a common waste product in
the breakdown of these compounds.

Members of Rosaceae (the Rose family) and especially genus Prunus (peaches,
apricots, almonds, etc.) seem to be high in cyanogens.

Unless exceptionally concentrated (as in the case of crushed and moistened
apricot pits), these cyanic compounds are no appreciable danger.

Bear


*************
Maybe one of the botanical wonders on this list could
answer this for me... Don't all red fruits and
vegetables contain trace amounts of cyanide, as well? 
It seems to me that i recall reading that long, long
ago.  Or not...

Balthazar of Blackmoor
*************