A simple method for the estimation of amygdalin in the urine.

A procedure for the estimation of D- and D,L-amygdalin in urine is described. Amygdalin is hydrolyzed by beta-glucosidase and base to benzaldehyde, glucose and cyanide. Benzaldehyde is extracted with methylene chloride and the ultraviolet (UV) absorbence determined at 243 nm. The response of human urine "spiked" with amygdalin was linear between 10 and 75 microgram/ml. Mice administered 100 mg/kg of amygdalin intravenously or orally excreted about 70 and 20% of the administered dose, respectively, over 96 hours. In each instance more than 96% of excreted drug equivalents were obtained within the first 24 hours.