When ingested, amygdalin is metabolized by the enzyme beta-glucosidase into glucose, benzaldehyde, and hydrogen cyanide. The enzyme responsible for this conversion is abundant in the gastrointestinal tract and certain foods, leading to the release of hydrogen cyanide, a highly toxic compound. The liver can detoxify small amounts of cyanide; however, excessive intake of amygdalin can overwhelm this detoxification process.
