Human Urine Alterations Caused by Apricot Seeds Consumption

Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glucoside derived from various plants seeds. It is a natural product that owns antitumor activity, it has also been used for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, leprosy and diabetes and produces antitussive and antiasthmatic effects. The present in vivo study was designed to reveal whether amygdalin in apricot seeds has got an effect on human urine composition, pH value and urine associated health status after twelve weeks of oral administration. The study group finally consisted of 12 healthy adult volunteers. All participants consumed 60 mg/kg of body weight of bitter apricot seeds daily (approximately 3.0 mg/kg of amygdalin) during 12 weeks. Two urine collections were carried out (at the beginning of the experiment and after 84 days). Quantification of urine calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chlorides, urea and pH value after apricot seeds supplementation was performed. Paired t-test showed, that consumption of bitter apricot seeds during 84 days had a significant (P < 0.01) effect on amount of calcium excreted in urine, though this decrease shifted its level from elevated mean value in control collection into normal physiological range. No significant changes were observed in other parameters after apricot seed ingestion.