Cyanogenic Glycoside
Definition
Sugar-cyanide conjugate (amygdalin in bitter almonds, linamarin in cassava). Hydrolysis releases HCN, which inhibits cytochrome c oxidase.
- Structure
- Sugar-cyanide conjugate
- Example sources
- Amygdalin (bitter almonds), linamarin (cassava)
- Released toxin
- Hydrogen cyanide (HCN)
- Mechanism
- Inhibits cytochrome c oxidase
Common questions
Why is raw cassava dangerous but properly processed cassava generally safe to eat?+
Soaking, grating, and thorough cooking allow the plant's own enzymes and volatilisation to break down and release most of the cyanogenic glycoside as HCN gas before consumption, while inadequately processed cassava retains enough to cause acute or chronic cyanide toxicity.
How would a toxicologist distinguish cyanogenic glycoside poisoning from direct cyanide salt poisoning?+
Both ultimately raise blood cyanide and inhibit cytochrome c oxidase, so the distinction usually rests on scene and stomach content evidence, such as recovered plant material or seed fragments, rather than on the blood chemistry alone.
Related terms
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