Dr. Lecturer Tuğba Kaman, Head of the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Program at Üsküdar Üniversitesi, made an evaluation regarding the benefits and risks of apricot kernels, which hold an important place in traditional medicine and modern pharmacology.
It has anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects
Dr. Lecturer Tuğba Kaman, defining the place of apricot kernels among medicinal and aromatic plants, said, "Apricot kernel, also identified as Semen Armeniacae, is the seed of the Rosaceae (Rose family) Prunus armeniaca plant, a valuable plant in terms of vegetable oils and phytochemicals, used in both traditional medicine and modern pharmacology. This kernel, frequently used in cosmetic, food supplement, and pharmaceutical fields, is very rich in volatile components, fatty acids, phytosterols, and polyphenols. The cold-pressed oil obtained from it is used in many areas, from skincare to its anti-inflammatory effects. Thanks to its active ingredients, its anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective effects have been demonstrated by scientific studies."
It has a rich bioactive compound profile
Dr. Lecturer Tuğba Kaman stated that the apricot kernel has a rich bioactive compound profile, saying, “It has a very high fixed oil content (27.7–66.7%), contains protein (14–45%), sugar, minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, essential amino acids like arginine, leucine, and various phenolic compounds. It is rich in saturated and unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid, and especially in vitamin E (tocopherol). Its main toxic substance is Amygdalin (2–5.5%), which is a cyanogenic glycoside.”
What is the main difference between bitter and sweet apricot kernels?
Dr. Lecturer Tuğba Kaman noted that the most fundamental difference between bitter and sweet apricot kernels is the level of amygdalin content, stating, “Bitter apricot kernels contain high amounts of amygdalin; their taste is bitter and pungent. Sweet apricot kernels are slightly sweet or contain no amygdalin at all, or only very low levels. From a medicinal aromatic perspective, bitter kernels show more pharmacological effects due to their amygdalin content, so their uses are for medicinal purposes and traditional treatments. However, this also means a toxicological risk; there is a high risk of poisoning. Sweet kernels, on the other hand, are mostly used for cosmetic and food purposes, and the risk of poisoning is low depending on the dose.”
It has a stimulating effect on immune system cells
Dr. Lecturer Tuğba Kaman explained that apricot kernel and its oil are reported to have immunostimulant effects, capable of increasing the overall resistance of the immune system by reducing oxidative stress, and added, “It has been reported that amygdalin found in the kernel can directly stimulate immune system cells, and when used in low and controlled doses, it can have anti-inflammatory and supportive effects on the immune system.”
It delays cell aging
Dr. Lecturer Tuğba Kaman also stated that scientific research shows apricot kernel extracts have strong antioxidant capacity, saying, “Especially the polyphenols and flavonoids (such as salicylic acid, caffeic acid, quercitrin, kaempferol, ferulic acid, and gallic acid) contained within react with free radicals, helping to prevent cellular damage. These compounds also show protective effects against hydroxyl and superoxide radicals, as well as hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, thanks to its high vitamin E content, it reduces oxidative stress, delays cell aging, and supports overall health.”
It is also beneficial for psoriasis and eczema
Dr. Lecturer Tuğba Kaman also pointed out that when applied topically to the skin, it acts as an emollient and moisturizing component, saying, “Thanks to valuable fatty acids like linoleic acid and oleic acid, it is known for its anti-inflammatory, skin-brightening, skin moisture-enhancing, and skin barrier function-improving abilities. Due to the antioxidant properties of vitamin E, it is beneficial in dermatological conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema, and also helps keep the skin healthy and moisturized.”
Beneficial in preventing coronary heart diseases
Dr. Lecturer Tuğba Kaman, stating that apricot kernel is an important source of fat and fiber, as well as dietary protein, continued as follows:
“It has traditionally been reported to be used in the treatment of constipation and parasites and to have anti-ulcerative effects. Thanks to oleic (Omega-9) and linoleic (Omega-6) fatty acids, it is heart-friendly. The phytosterols and phenolic compounds found in apricot kernels are reported to be beneficial in preventing coronary heart diseases, reducing LDL and total cholesterol while increasing HDL, and protecting heart tissue against oxidative damage.”
Raw and high-quantity consumption of bitter kernels can be fatal
Dr. Lecturer Tuğba Kaman also noted that amygdalin in the kernel is known to be hydrolyzed in the body by the β-glucosidase enzyme, converting into hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and warned, “HCN inhibits cellular respiration, leading to hypoxia. If consumed in excessive amounts, it can result in nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, irritability, various pains in joints and muscles, loss of consciousness, coma, and death. Especially the raw and high-quantity consumption of bitter kernels can be fatal.”
A maximum of three small apricot kernels per day…
Dr. Lecturer Tuğba Kaman concluded by sharing the safe consumption limits set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
"EFSA states that consuming more than three small raw apricot kernels or less than half of one large kernel in a serving can exceed safe limits. Accordingly, an average adult can consume a maximum of three small apricot kernels (approximately 370 mg) per day without exceeding the Acute Reference Dose (ARfD) limit. For children, this amount is half of one small kernel (approximately 60 mg). In conclusion, more than 1 to 3 small kernels daily is not recommended for adults, and it is absolutely not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children."
