Natural Standard assigns a letter grade for indications based on the quality of available scientific evidence (view Grading Rationale). Letter grades have the following meaning:
Strong scientific evidence for this use;  Good scientific evidence for this use; - Unclear scientific evidence for this use; - Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).
Uses based on scientific evidence Scale

Grading Rationale
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified health provider.
High cholesterol (whole almonds)

Early studies in humans and animals show that whole almonds may lower cholesterol. Additional studies are needed to confirm this effect.
Radiation therapy skin reactions (used on the skin)

In preliminary study, an ointment made of sweet almond has not shown a benefit when applied to the skin of patients treated with radiation.

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited study. They have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Antibacterial, aphrodisiac, bladder cancer, breast cancer, chapped lips, colon cancer, dilution of injected medications, heart disease, increasing sperm count, mild laxative, moisturizer, mouth and throat cancers, plant-derived estrogen, uterine cancer.

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Standardization

Standardization involves measuring the amount of certain chemicals in products to try to make different preparations similar to each other. It is not always known if the chemicals being measured are the “active” ingredients. Standardized sweet almond products are not widely available. Almond samples have been found to be contaminated with a dangerous molecule, aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is produced by Aspergillus fungus and is also present in small amounts in peanut products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for monitoring aflatoxin concentrations.

Adults (18 years and older)

High cholesterol: Studies have used 84 to 100 grams of whole almonds daily by mouth with no reported side effects.

Laxative: 30 milliliters of sweet almond oil daily by mouth has been used.

Note: Sweet almonds and sweet almond oil should not be confused with bitter almonds or bitter almond oil, which can be dangerous in humans.

Children (younger than 18 years)

Little information is available for the use of sweet almonds in children, aside from the amounts normally eaten in the diet.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

Allergies to almonds are common and can lead to severe reactions, including oral allergic syndrome (OAS), swelling of the lips and face, and closure of the throat. People who are allergic to one type of nut may also be allergic to other nuts. Avoid use in anyone with known allergy to almonds, almond products, or other nuts.

Side Effects and Warnings

In most reports, sweet almond is generally considered to be safe when taken by mouth. Based on animal studies, sweet almond may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a healthcare provider, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

Mice fed sweet almonds have been reported to lose weight, but it is not clear if this reflects a change in their diet or a specific effect of almonds. Almonds are reported to lower low-density lipoproteins (LDL or “bad cholesterol”) and total cholesterol levels. One animal study reports that sweet almond may have estrogen-like activity. A study in mice reports hair loss and inflammation in the leg joints. There is a report of a fat embolism (fat bubbles traveling through the bloodstream, which is potentially dangerous) due to injection of almond oil into the penis.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There is little information about the use of sweet almond during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It appears that almonds in regular dietary intake are safe for most non-allergic individuals.

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

Based on animal studies, sweet almond may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare provider. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

Theoretically, almonds and cholesterol-lowering agents may have additive effects when taken together.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Based on animal studies, sweet almond may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment. Possible examples include: Aloe vera, American ginseng, bilberry, bitter melon, burdock, fenugreek, fish oil, gymnema, horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE), maitake mushroom, marshmallow, milk thistle, Panax ginseng, rosemary, Siberian ginseng, stinging nettle, and white horehound.

Theoretically, almonds may add to the effects of herbs or supplements that lower blood cholesterol levels, such as fish oil, garlic, guggul, or niacin.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 at 4:16 am and is filed under Herbs, Vitamins & Minerals. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.