A
cells were reportedly unaffected because they contained low concentrations of beta-glucosidases
and high concentrations of rhodanese, which converts HCN to the less toxic thiocyanate. Later,
however, it was shown that both cancerous and normal cells contain only trace amounts of beta-
glucosidases, and similar amounts of rhodanese. Also, it was thought that amygdalin was not
absorbed intact from the gastrointestinal tract (CAN); (2) Proposed that after ingestion, amygdalin
was hydrolyzed to mandelonitrile, transported intact to the liver and converted to a beta-glucu-
ronide complex, which was then carried to the cancerous cells, hydrolyzed by beta-glucuronidases
to release mandelonitrile, and then HCN. This was believed an untenable theory; (3) Called
laetrile vitamin B-17, and with that, cancer is a result of B-17-deficiency. It postulated that
chronic administration of laetrile would prevent cancer. No evidence was adduced to substantiate
this hypothesis. Furthermore, it was even claimed that patients taking laetrile reduced their life
expectancy, both through of lack of proper medical care and chronic cyanide poisoning. In order
to reduce potential risks to the general public, amygdalin was made a prescription-only medicine
in 1984 (CAN).ARAROBA (Andira araroba Aguan) +Activities (Araroba) — Allergenic (1; PH2); Alterative (f; CRC); Antispasmodic (f; EFS); Bitter
(f; PHR); Detergent (f; CRC); Glucose-6-Phosphate-Dehydrogenase-Inhibitor (1; PH2); Irritant (1;
PH2); Poison (f; CRC); Taenifuge (f; CRC); Vermifuge (f; CRC).
Indications (Araroba) — Acne (f; GMH); Alopecia (f; CRC; EFS); Arthrosis (f; CRC); Cramp
(f; EFS); Dermatosis (f; CRC; PHR; PH2); Eczema (f; CRC; GMH); Fungus (f; CRC; PH2);
Hemorrhoid (f; GMH); Herpes (f; CRC); Mastosis (f; GMH); Mycosis (f; PHR; PH2); Pityriasis
(f; CRC); Psoriasis (f; CRC); Rheumatism (f; CRC); Ringworm (f; CRC; GMH); Tapeworm (f;
CRC); Trichophytosis (1; CRC); Tylosis (f; GMH); Worm (f; CRC).
Dosages (Araroba) — One-half grain (GMH).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Araroba) — Not in AHP; APA; KOM.
Caution: easily absorbed dermally and potentially nephrotoxic (EFS); 200 mg internally can induce
diarrhea, nausea, and nephrosis. Powder is a respiratory irritant (CRC); sawdust muco- and occulo-
irritant (CRC). Severely irritant to the skin and mucous membranes. As little as 100 mg administered
externally can lead to diarrhea, nephritis, and vomiting (PH2).ARJUNA (Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC.) Wight & Arn.) +Synonym — Pentaptera arjuna Roxb. ex DC.
Activities (Arjuna) — Analgesic (2; KEB); Antiaggregant (1; KEB); Antidote (f; KAP); Antiis-
chemic (2; HDN; KEB); Antispasmodic (1; PH2); Aphrodisiac (f; KAB); Astringent (1; HHB;
KAP; SKJ); Bradycardic (1; HH2; PH2); Cardioprotective (1; IHB; KAB; KEB); Deobstruent (f;
KAP; SKJ); Diuretic (1; HHB; HDN; KAB; KAP; KEB); Expectorant (f; KAB); Hemostat (1;
KAB; PH2; WOI); Hepatoprotective (1; KEB); Hypertensive (1; KEB); Hypotensive (1; HHB;
KAP; KEB; PH2); Laxative (f; HHB); Litholytic (f; KAP); Positive Inotropic (1; HH2; PH2);
Prostaglandigenic (1; HDN); Sedative (1; PH2); Tonic (f; HHB; KAB; SKJ).
Indications (Arjuna) — Anemia (f; KAB; PH2); Angina (1; KAP; KEB); Aphtha (f; SKJ);
Arrhythmia (1; KEB); Asthma (f; PH2); Biliousness (f; KAB); Bleeding (1; KAB; KAP; PH2;
WOI); Blister (1; WOI); Blood Clot (1; KEB); Bronchosis (f; PH2); Bruise (f; KAB; WOI); Callus
(1; FNF; JLH); Cancer (1; FNF; JLH; KAB; PH2); Cardiopathy (1; KAB; KEB; PH2); Chancre
(f; KAB); Childbirth (f; KAB; PH2); Cholera (f; SKJ); Cirrhosis (2; KEB; PH2); CVI (1; PH2);
Cramp (1; PH2); Diabetes (f; HH2; PH2); Dropsy (f; KAP); Dysentery (f; KAB; PH2; SKJ);