Determination of cyanogenic glycosides in endemic species of wild almond seeds in the Zagros Mountains

Abstract

Prunus amygdalus Batsch is the most popular medicinal plant that has been widely used in traditional medicine in Iran. Almond seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that are toxic after consumption. This study aimed to determine the components of cyanogenic glycoside in the seeds of four native almond species in the Zagros Mountains. Amygdalin, prunasin and linamarin were detected as the most predominant cyanogen in wild almond seeds, respectively. The amygdalin content ranged from 176 to 3076 mg/100 g DW in different regions. Different amounts of 83–386 mg/100 g of prunasin were recorded in almond seeds. Linamarin was detected in the seeds of wild almond species not previously reported in Prunus species. Linamarin content varied from 25.1 to 90.1 mg/100 g in Prunus orientalis (Mill.) Koehne in the Paveh and Sonqor, respectively. Similarly, amygdalin, prunasin and limanarin contents were affected by species and environment. The results indicated the importance of taking wild almond seed consumption with caution by indigenous people.