Apricot Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) is a small, sweet, orange-colored fruit that comes from a tree in the rose family. The tree is believed to be native to China and has been grown for thousands of years. Today apricots are cultivated in many warm, dry regions around the world.

People eat apricots fresh, dried, or as juice. The fruit is a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C, and it also contains plant compounds called antioxidants. In supplement form, apricot may appear as the whole fruit or as the seeds (kernels), but the kernels are very different and have separate, important safety concerns. This monograph covers the fruit.

Most people use apricots simply as a healthy, tasty food. The fruit is valued for its fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which are part of a balanced diet.

Some people use dried apricots to help with constipation because the fiber and natural sugars can have a mild laxative effect. This use is reasonable and consistent with how fiber-rich fruits work, though it is general nutrition advice rather than proven medical treatment.

Apricot is also promoted for antioxidant and general wellness benefits. While the fruit does contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C, there is limited high-quality human research showing that apricot supplements treat or prevent any specific disease. Eating the fruit as part of a varied diet is the best-supported way to benefit from it.

Apricots contain several nutrients that may support health. Beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A precursor) and vitamin C act as antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. The fruit also provides potassium, which supports normal blood pressure and fluid balance, and fiber, which supports digestion and regular bowel movements.

Apricots also contain plant pigments and polyphenols that have shown antioxidant activity in laboratory studies. It is important to know that much of this evidence comes from test-tube and animal research, and these findings do not prove that eating apricots produces specific health effects in people.

Apricot fruit is safe for most people when eaten as a normal food. Dried apricots are often treated with sulfites as a preservative, which can trigger reactions in people who are sensitive or have asthma; choosing sulfite-free dried apricots can help.

It is very important not to confuse the fruit with apricot kernels (seeds). The kernels contain a compound that the body can convert into cyanide and can cause serious poisoning. Apricot kernels are covered in a separate monograph and should be approached with great caution.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, eating apricot fruit as part of your diet is generally considered fine. However, concentrated apricot supplements or extracts have not been well studied during these times, so it is best to be cautious and check with your doctor or pharmacist before using them. Avoid apricot kernels entirely.

For most people, eating apricots causes few or no side effects. Eating large amounts of dried apricots may cause gas, bloating, or loose stools because of the high fiber and natural sugar content.

People who are sensitive to sulfites (often used on dried apricots) may experience symptoms such as wheezing, hives, or stomach upset. Allergic reactions to apricot are uncommon but possible, especially in people allergic to other stone fruits like peaches or plums.

There is no established standardized dose for apricot as a supplement. As a food, apricots can simply be eaten fresh or dried as part of a normal diet.

If you choose an apricot supplement, follow the directions on the product label, since strength varies between brands. Because supplements are not strictly regulated, it is a good idea to check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting one—especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medicines.