Sweet Almond (Prunus amygdulus dulcis)
  
Sweet Almond (Prunus amygdulus dulcis)
Background
The almond is closely related to the peach, apricot, and cherry (all classified as drupes). Unlike the others, however, the outer layer of the almond is not edible. The edible portion of the almond is the seed.
Sweet almonds are a popular nutritious food. Researchers are especially interested in their level of monounsaturated fats, as these appear to have a beneficial effect on blood lipids.
Almond oil is widely used in lotions and cosmetics.
Synonyms
Almendra, Almendra dulce, almond oil, amande, amande douce, amandel, amendoa, amệndoa doce, amigdalo, Amygdalus communis, Amygdala Dulcis , badam, badami, badamo, badamshirin, bedamu, bian tao, bilati badam, cno ghreugach, expressed almond oil, fixed almond oil, harilik mandlipuu, Jordan almond, lawz, lozi, mandel, mandla, mandorla, mandorla dulce, mandula, mangel, mantelli, migdal, migdala, migdalo, mindal, Prunoidae (subfamily), Prunus communis dulcis , Prunus dulcis var. dulcis , Rosaceae (family), sladkiy mindal, sötmandel, süßmandel, sweet almond oil, tatli badem, tian wei bian tao, tian xing ren, vaadaam, vadumai, zoete amandel.
Note : Sweet almond should not be confused with bitter almond, which contains amygdalin and can be broken down into the poisonous substance hydrocyanic acid (cyanide).
Evidence
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Uses based on scientific evidenceGrade*High cholesterol (whole almonds)
Early studies in humans and animals report that whole almonds may lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL/"bad" cholesterol), and raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL/"good" cholesterol"). It is not clear what dose may be safe or effective.
B
Radiation therapy skin reactions (used on the skin)
In preliminary study, an ointment made of sweet almond has not shown a benefit when applied to the skin of patients treated with radiation.
D
* Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work);
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).
Uses based on tradition or theory
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Antibacterial, aphrodisiac, bladder cancer, breast cancer, chapped lips, colon cancer, dilution of injected medications, emollient, heart disease, increasing sperm count, mild laxative, moisturizer, mouth and throat cancers, plant-derived estrogen, uterine cancer.
Dosing
The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.
Standardization
Standardization involves measuring the amount of certain chemicals in products to try to make different preparations similar to each other. It is not always known if the chemicals being measured are the "active" ingredients. Standardized sweet almond products are not widely available. Almond samples have been found to be contaminated with a dangerous molecule, aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is produced by Aspergillus fungus and is also present in small amounts in peanut products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for monitoring aflatoxin concentrations.
Adults (18 years and older)
High cholesterol : Studies have used 84 to 100 grams of whole almonds daily by mouth with no reported side effects.
Laxative : 30 milliliters of sweet almond oil daily by mouth has been used.
Note : A small randomized controlled trial showed the same cholesterol profile benefits in patients taking almond oil versus whole almonds, although dosing was based on a percentage of habitual fat intake and not on a specific weight of whole almonds or measure of almond oil. Sweet almonds and sweet almond oil should not be confused with bitter almonds or bitter almond oil, which can be dangerous in humans.
Children (younger than 18 years)
Little information is available for the use of sweet almonds in children, aside from the amounts normally eaten in the diet.
Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Allergies
Allergies to almonds are common and can lead to severe reactions, including oral allergic syndrome (OAS), swelling of the lips and face, and closure of the throat. People who are allergic to one type of nut may also be allergic to other nuts. Avoid use in anyone with known allergy to almonds, almond products, or other nuts.
Side Effects and Warnings
In most reports, sweet almond is generally considered to be safe when taken by mouth. Based on animal studies, sweet almond may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a healthcare provider, and medication adjustments may be necessary.
Mice fed sweet almonds have been reported to lose weight, but it is not clear if this reflects a change in their diet or a specific effect of almonds. Almonds are reported to lower low-density lipoproteins (LDL or "bad cholesterol") and total cholesterol levels. One animal study reports that sweet almond may have estrogen-like activity. A study in mice reports hair loss and inflammation in the leg joints. There is a report of a fat embolism (fat bubbles traveling through the bloodstream, which is potentially dangerous) due to injection of almond oil into the penis.
Theoretically, increased intake of almonds (and therefore increased intake of unsaturated fat) can lead to weight gain. However, a small randomized controlled trial reports that consuming approximately 320 calories of almonds daily for six months does not lead to statistically or biologically significant average changes in body weight, and does increase the consumption of unsaturated fats.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There is little information about the use of sweet almond during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It appears that almonds in regular dietary intake are safe for most non-allergic individuals.
References
1. Abbey M, Noakes M, Belling GB, et al. Partial replacement of saturated fatty acids with almonds or walnuts lowers total plasma cholesterol and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol. Am J Clin Nutr 1994;59(5):995-999.
2. Clemetson CA, de Carlo SJ, Burney GA, et al. Estrogens in food: the almond mystery. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 1978;15(6):515-521.
3. Evans S, Skea D, Dolovich J. Fatal reaction to peanut antigen in almond icing. CMAJ 1988;139(3):231-232.
4. Fleischauer AT, Arab L. Garlic and cancer: a critical review of the epidemiologic literature. J Nutr 2001;131 (3s) :1032S-1040S.
5. Fraser GE, Bennett HW, Jaceldo KB, Sabate J. Effect on body weight of a free 76 Kilojoule (320 calorie) daily supplement of almonds for six months. J Am Coll Nutr 2002;21(3):275-283.
6. Hu FB, Stampfer MJ, Manson JE, et al. Frequent nut consumption and risk of coronary heart disease in women: prospective cohort study. BMJ 1998;317(7169):1341-1345.
7. Hyson DA, Schneeman BO, Davis PA. Almonds and almond oil have similar effects on plasma lipids and LDL oxidation in healthy men and women. J Nutr 2002;132(4):703-707.
8. Maiche A. Effect of chamomile cream and almond ointment on acute radiation skin reaction. Acta Oncol 1991;30(3):395-396.
9. Schade JE, McGreevy K, King AD, Jr., et al. Incidence of aflatoxin in California almonds. Appl Microbiol 1975;29(1):48-53.
10. Spiller GA, Jenkins DA, Bosello O, et al. Nuts and plasma lipids: an almond-based diet lowers LDL-C while preserving HDL-C. J Am Coll Nutr 1998;17(3):285-290.
11. Spiller GA, Jenkins DJ, Cragen LN, et al. Effect of a diet high in monounsaturated fat from almonds on plasma cholesterol and lipoproteins. J Am Coll Nutr 1992;11(2):126-130.
12. Teotia S, Singh M, Pant MC. Effect of Prunus amygdalus seeds on lipid profile. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 1997;41(4):383-389.
13. Thomas P, Boussuges A, Gainnier M, et al. [Fat embolism after intrapenile injection of sweet almond oil]. Rev Mal Respir 1998;15(3):307-308.
December 01, 2003 
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