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Amygdalin and Hydrogen Cyanide

The conversion of amygdalin to hydrogen cyanide when cherry pits are crushed or chewed, and its toxic effects.

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Jan 6, 2026
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How much cyanide is in eating multiple cherry pits — is it lethal?

Chewing or crushing cherry pits releases amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside that can convert into hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and deliberate ingestion of many crushed pits can produce toxic — even lethal —...

Jan 12, 2026
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How many cherry pits would it take to be lethal to an adult?

Crushed or chewed cherry pits can release amygdalin that the body converts to hydrogen cyanide, and whether a given number of pits is lethal depends on cherry variety, whether pits were crushed, and w...