Biaglow, J. E. and Durand, R. E. The enhanced radiation response of an in vitro tumour model by cyanide released from hydrolysed amygdalin. Int J Radiat Biol Relat Stud.Phys Chem Med 1978;33(4):397-401. View abstract. Milazzo, S., Ernst, E., Lejeune, S., and Schmidt, K. Laetrile treatment for cancer. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev 2006;(2):CD005476. View abstract.

Smith, F. P., Butler, T. P., Cohan, S., and Schein, P. S. Laetrile toxicity: a report of two patients. Cancer Treat.Rep 1978;62(1):169-171. View abstract. Rauws, A. G., Olling, M., and Timmerman, A. The pharmacokinetics of prunasin, a metabolite of amygdalin. J Toxicol.Clin Toxicol. 1982;19(8):851-856. View abstract. However, you’ll also discover a few local distilleries have experimented with more Mediterranean botanicals like oranges, lemons and almond. On the truly Portuguese side, Gin Edmundo infuse theirs with Alvarinho grapes used traditionally in Vinho Verde. For a more tropical variety, Azores based distillery Goshawk flavour their’s with locally grown passion fruit. With over 20 Portuguese brands of Gin across the mainland, and islands, you’re usually not too far from a local distillery. 10. Vinho Verde – Portugal’s Green and not so Traditional Wine Park, H. J., Yoon, S. H., Han, L. S., Zheng, L. T., Jung, K. H., Uhm, Y. K., Lee, J. H., Jeong, J. S., Joo, W. S., Yim, S. V., Chung, J. H., and Hong, S. P. Amygdalin inhibits genes related to cell cycle in SNU-C4 human colon cancer cells. World J Gastroenterol 9-7-2005;11(33):5156-5161. View abstract.Khandekar, J. D. and Edelman, H. Studies of amygdalin (laetrile) toxicity in rodents. JAMA 7-13-1979;242(2):169-171. View abstract. Chang, H. K., Shin, M. S., Yang, H. Y., Lee, J. W., Kim, Y. S., Lee, M. H., Kim, J., Kim, K. H., and Kim, C. J. Amygdalin induces apoptosis through regulation of Bax and Bcl-2 expressions in human DU145 and LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Biol Pharm Bull. 2006;29(8):1597-1602. View abstract. Ortega, J. A. and Creek, J. E. Acute cyanide poisoning following administration of Laetrile enemas. J Pediatr. 1978;93(6):1059. View abstract.

Almonds are a familiar type of nut. They can be sweet or bitter, depending on the type of tree that produces them. Sweet almond is produced from one type of almond tree (Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis) and does not contain poisonous chemicals. Bitter almond comes from a different type of almond tree (Prunus amygdalus var. amara) and does contain toxic chemicals. Laster, W. R., Jr. and Schabel, F. M., Jr. Experimental studies of the antitumor activity of amygdalin MF (NSC- 15780) alone and in combination with beta-glucosidase (NSC-128056). Cancer Chemother Rep 1975;59(5):951-965. View abstract. In a similar vein to Bailey’s or Sangster’s rum cream, Creme de Pastel de Nata is Portugal’s very own version. The most popular and pioneer of the idea is Licor 35. Who state after 21 attempts to get it right, they settled on a blend of sample 3 and 5. Several other brands, both artisanal and discount, have come up with their own versions often simply called licor natas. It’s supposedly based on the flavours of a pastel de nata but in practice, it’s less custard and much more simply vanilla and cream. Served over ice it’s a delicious but a very sweet digestif, but is also added to coffee to create a Portuguese inspired Irish coffee.You’ll also find ice cream and other desserts flavoured with it! 8. Portuguese Rum and Brazilian CachaçaNavarro MD. The Philippine experience in the early detection and chemotherapy of cancer. Santo Tomas J Med 1970;25(3):125-133.

Beamer, W. C., Shealy, R. M., and Prough, D. S. Acute cyanide poisoning from laetrile ingestion. Ann.Emerg.Med 1983;12(7):449-451. View abstract. Anonymous. Report by the cancer commission of the California Medical Association: the treatment of cancer with "laetriles". California Med 1953;78(4):320-326. Soranzo, N., Bufe, B., Sabeti, P. C., Wilson, J. F., Weale, M. E., Marguerie, R., Meyerhof, W., and Goldstein, D. B. Positive selection on a high-sensitivity allele of the human bitter-taste receptor TAS2R16. Curr Biol 7-26-2005;15(14):1257-1265. View abstract. Amêndoa Amarga, or as some have been called it for the past decade, Amarguinha, is a regional and typical Portuguese liqueur whose purpose is to finish off a great meal or to start a night out with friends. This one should be served with ice, very fresh, being a very sweet liqueur that is refreshing during the summer season.Moertel, C. G., Ames, M. M., Kovach, J. S., Moyer, T. P., Rubin, J. R., and Tinker, J. H. A pharmacologic and toxicological study of amygdalin. JAMA 2-13-1981;245(6):591-594. View abstract. Shragg, T. A., Albertson, T. E., and Fisher, C. J., Jr. Cyanide poisoning after bitter almond ingestion. West J Med 1982;136(1):65-69. View abstract. Ovejera, A. A., Houchens, D. P., Barker, A. D., and Venditti, J. M. Inactivity of DL-amygdalin against human breast and colon tumor xenografts in athymic (nude) mice. Cancer Treat.Rep 1978;62(4):576-578. View abstract. Ames, M. M., Kovach, J. S., and Flora, K. P. Initial pharmacologic studies of amygdalin (laetrile) in man. Res Commun.Chem Pathol.Pharmacol. 1978;22(1):175-185. View abstract. Bhatti RA, Ablin RJ, and Guinan PD. Tumour-associated directed immunity in prostatic cancer: effect of amygdalin. IRCS Med Sci 1981;9(1):19.