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. 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. Baroni, A., Paoletti, I., Greco, R., Satriano, R. A., Ruocco, E., Tufano, M. A., and Perez, J. J. Immunomodulatory effects of a set of amygdalin analogues on human keratinocyte cells. Exp Dermatol 2005;14(11):854-859. 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. Several of the Portuguese islands have a rich history in sugar production. What followed historic sugarcane production? Rum! Madeira is considered the heart of Portuguese rum production and you’ll find several brands like William Hinton have been operating on the island since the early 19th century. Cachaça also gets a worthy mention here. Reportedly in the 16th century the Portuguese took their stills from Madeira to Brazil to follow the much larger scale sugar cane production.

Sadoff, L., Fuchs, K., and Hollander, J. Rapid death associated with laetrile ingestion. JAMA 4-14-1978;239(15):1532. View abstract.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. Aguardente literally translates as firewater and it has quite the reputation in Portugal. It’s believed that it gets its name for the burning sensation it leaves in your throat! The supermarket variety is usually around 40%, but most locals will tell you it can be found at around 70% if you know who to ask. Gill, J. R., Marker, E., and Stajic, M. Suicide by cyanide: 17 deaths. J Forensic Sci 2004;49(4):826-828. 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. Today we bring you a few producers which specialize and are the first in the country to produce this kind of liqueur, some of them being up to 21% off. This is one of those liqueurs you should definitely try out, if you err on the adventurous side and have tried things like Ginjinha and other characteristic Portuguese inventions.

Questions?

What is Aguardente? The most common explanation given that it’s a fermented, and distilled alcohol made from a variety of fruits and grains, depending on the locale. In the Algarve, aguardente is typically made from medronho (see below), but also oranges and even figs. In the north and the wine growing regions, often it’s the grape must or the grapes unworthy of wine production. Aguadente Bagaceira being the most famous example. In Madeira, typically sugarcane is used, leading to Aguardente de Cana Madeirense. 2. Aguardente de Medronho Although wine is skipped off this list because it’s one of the most famous drinks Portugal offers. There is a particular type of wine that is less widely known and equally delicious. Vinho Verde! Vinho Verdes are light, fresh, and slightly sparkling, and commonly served chilled in the summer. Officially, they’re not recognised as sparkling, but they do offer a slight and refreshing fizz at the tip of your tongue.

Anonymous. Report by the cancer commission of the California Medical Association: the treatment of cancer with "laetriles". California Med 1953;78(4):320-326.Bhatti RA, Ablin RJ, and Guinan PD. Tumour-associated directed immunity in prostatic cancer: effect of amygdalin. IRCS Med Sci 1981;9(1):19. 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. Despite serious safety concerns, people make medicine from the center (kernel) of the bitter almond. It is used for spasms, pain, cough, and itch. 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. 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.