Laetrile is a compound derived from the seeds of fruits like apricots and bitter almonds. It is often promoted as an alternative treatment for cancer, based on the belief that it can release cyanide in the body to target cancer cells. However, scientific studies have not proven its effectiveness in treating cancer. Despite its popularity in some alternative medicine circles, Laetrile is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cancer treatment. The FDA has warned against its use due to potential toxicity and lack of evidence supporting its benefits.