Abstract

NUTRITIONAL VALUE, PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF WALNUT (JUGLANS REGIA L.): A REVIEW

Aaqib Ashraf, Khalid Rahim Wani*, Sameena Khan and Aazira Farooq

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Abstract

One of the most extensively planted and economically farmed tree nuts in the world is walnuts. Among the most widely eaten oil nuts worldwide are walnuts. The nuts are high in fatty acids, phenolics, phytosterols, tocopherols, and carotenoids, and usually contain 40– 70% oil. The edible drupaceous walnut is well-known around the world for its nutritive and health-promoting qualities. Published articles were surveyed using PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and other search engines to study walnuts. Pharmacological studies on Juglans regia L. have confirmed its antioxidant, anti-dyslipidemic, antidiabetic, anti-cancerous, antiproliferative, anti-obesity, cardiovascular protective, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cognitive, and gastroprotective activity. Traditionally, walnuts were being used to treat cough, stomach ailments, and cancer. This review aims to investigate the chemical composition, nutritional value and claimed pharmacological activity of walnuts. When dealing with this fruit, scientists, researchers, and other health experts will find it useful as a reference with the most recent information available.

Keywords: Walnut; Juglans regia L.; Superfood; Phytochemicals.