How Do You Spell LAETRILE?

Pronunciation: [lˈiːtɹa͡ɪl] (IPA)

The word "laetrile" is spelled with six letters and pronounced as /leɪtrɪl/. The IPA phonetic transcription explains the pronunciation of each letter in the word. The "L" is pronounced as /l/, the "A" as /eɪ/, the "T" as /t/, the "R" as /r/, the "I" as /ɪ/, and the "L" as /l/. This word commonly refers to a controversial cancer treatment drug that is made from amygdalin, a substance found in apricot kernels, and has been banned in many countries.

LAETRILE Meaning and Definition

1. Laetrile, also known as amygdalin, is a substance derived from apricot kernels and other similar fruits, as well as certain nuts and plants. It is classified as a glycoside, a compound that consists of a sugar molecule bound to a non-sugar molecule.

   In particular, laetrile is composed of two glucose molecules attached to a cyanide molecule. This compound gained attention due to claims suggesting its potential as an alternative treatment for cancer. However, it is important to note that these claims have been primarily based on anecdotal evidence and have not been proven through scientific studies.

   Although laetrile has been utilized by some as a form of complementary or alternative treatment for cancer, its use has been controversial and remains unsupported by mainstream medical practice. The rationale behind its supposed anticancer effects revolves around the notion that cancer cells contain an enzyme known as beta-glucosidase, which is believed to release the cyanide from laetrile, thereby eliminating the cancer cells. However, this hypothesis has not been definitively proven, and the potential risks associated with cyanide exposure must also be weighed.

   Due to the lack of scientific evidence supporting its use, laetrile is not recognized as a viable treatment option for cancer by the medical community. It is important for individuals considering alternative therapies to discuss their choices with a qualified healthcare professional to ensure they are making informed decisions regarding their health.

Common Misspellings for LAETRILE

• lettile
• latrice
• laetril
• lattirile
• Laettime
• leanrize
• lletrip
• PlaitRile
• Laetise

Etymology of LAETRILE

The word "laetrile" is derived from the chemical compound it represents, Amygdalin. Amygdalin comes from the Latin word "amygdala", meaning almond. It was first isolated from bitter almonds (Prunus dulcis var. amara) in the early 19th century. The term "laetrile" was coined by Ernest T. Krebs Jr. and is a contraction of the words "laevorotatory" and "mandelonitrile", referring to its left-handed molecular orientation and its incorporation of a nitrile group into the structure. Laetrile became popular as an alternative cancer treatment in the 1970s, but its efficacy and safety were highly controversial.

Similar spelling words for LAETRILE

• lateralize,
• lateral,
• laterality,
• laterally,
• latterly.