Page 148 - PG 504-theoretical notes-phyto-1-2024-2025..

Clinical pharmacy PharmD program Third level Phytochemistry-1 (PG-504)

Acid Hydrolysis:

Acid hydrolysis of amygdalin furnishes two molecules of glucose and one molecule of mandelonitrile. The
latter decomposes spontaneously to form benzaldehyde and HCN.

Enzymatic Hydrolysis: Emulsin is also found in almond kernels

Amygdalin is hydrolyzed by intestinal emulsin , which is a complex mixture of enzymes,
including amygdalase and prunase, which is capable of effecting the above two hydrolytic steps

Hydrogen cyanide in sufficient quantities causes cyanide poisoning (“cup of apple seeds”
are poisonous).

Different enzymes act upon amygdalin in different ways

that are indicated below:

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