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The fruit of the Persea americana , the scientific name of the plant from Central America commonly known as avocado, has an edible fruit that is easily adapted to tropical regions. The avocado has an olive green skin and a thick pale yellow flesh rich in fatty acids such as linoleic, oleic, palmitic, stearic, linolenic, capric and myristic. This fruit is normally used for human consumption, but it has also been used as a medicinal plant in Mexico and in other parts of the world.
The avocado seed represents between 13 and 18% of the weight of the fruit, and is a by-product that is generally not used. Normally, the seed is discarded during the processing of the pulp, since its residues can represent a serious ecological problem. However, and at the same time, it may be interesting for the industry as a source of bioactive compounds. Its chemical composition is made up of phytosterols, triterpenes, fatty acids and two glycosides from abscisic acid.
Avocado seed studies
Different researchers have described various biological activities of the avocado seed. Among them are antioxidants, antihypertensives, larvicides, fungicides, hypolipidemics and, recently, amebicides and giardicides. Also, some studies have examined the possible genotoxic activity of avocado seed extract.
Penn State conducted a study in 2013 that found that the Aztecs and Mayans ate the seeds to treat a number of illnesses. They were eaten boiled or heated to help fight diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, and parasitic infections. Furthermore, a 2009 Nigerian study found that Nigerians historically used it to help control high blood pressure.
However, other studies have verified the presence of toxic substances in the avocado seed, which suggests whether or not it is feasible for it to be consumed without causing damage to the body.
The persin in the avocado
Persin , a plant toxin, is present in high concentrations in avocado seeds and leaves . Persin is known to cause toxic effects and possibly death in a variety of animals, including cattle, horses, sheep, goats, mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and some birds, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual . . Given these effects in animals, what are the potential effects of persin in humans?
To date, the potential toxic effects of persin in humans have not been studied. However, laboratory studies have shown that it induces cell death in breast and ovarian cancer cell lines, as reported in the December 2013 issue of the British Journal of Cancer and the June 2016 issue of Investigational New Drugs , respectively.
In the experiments described, cancer cells were exposed to much higher levels of persin than would be expected from consuming relatively small amounts of the avocado seed. On the other hand, different researchers discovered that high doses of avocado seed extract are lethal to mice.
However, there are currently no studies that prove that persin is toxic in humans, as it is in the aforementioned animals. The California Avocado Commission recommends avoiding eating the avocado seed, though it of course encourages enjoying the fruit. While it’s true that the seeds contain many health-promoting compounds, including soluble fiber, vitamins E and C, and the mineral phosphorous, the consensus is that more research is needed to determine if the benefits of consuming them outweigh the risks.
Sources
- Barrera, R. and Arrubla, J. (2017). ANALYSIS OF PHYTOSTEROLS IN SEEDS OF Persea americana Miller (Var. Lorena) BY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY AND HIGH EFFICIENCY LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY. Faculty of Basic Sciences Magazine. 13( 1 ) 35-41.
- California Avocado Commission. (2016). IS IT SAFE TO EAT THE AVOCADO SEED?
- McCloy, R.; Shelley, E.; Roberts, C.; Boslem, E.; Biden, T.; Nicholson, R.; Gee, J.; Sutherland, R.; Musgrove, E.; Burgess, A. & Butt, A. (2010). Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress induction by the plant toxin, persin, in overcoming resistance to the apoptotic effects of tamoxifen in human breast cancer cells. 109( 12 ), 3034–3041.
- Sharon, M. (2013). MERCK MANUAL Veterinary Manual: Avocado .
