A Review On Juglans Regia: Its Botanical Description, Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses And Its Pharmacological Activities

Abstract

The English or Persian walnut which is Juglans regia L., is recognized worldwide for its important nutritional, medical and industrial uses. This review thoroughly examines the plant characters, chemical makeup, history of use, drug activities, nutritional aspects, biotechnological applications, risks and future prospects of Juglans regia. People in temperate regions have traditionally used walnut trees to treat infections, inflammation, diabetes and skin problems. It has been found by phytochemical research that walnuts provide a number of bioactivities from polyphenols, flavonoids, juglone, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Research has shown that these constituents give the plant useful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, neuroprotective and anticancer effects. Thanks to omega-3s, dietary fiber and protein, eating walnuts can help improve the heart and brain. Juglans regia is important to industry and commerce for more than just the kernels people eat. People use walnut oil in both cooking and as a cosmetic and the shells are valued for their role as abrasives and fillers in manufacturing. Because it is strong and attractive, wood is used for furniture and decorative crafts. Besides use in cooking, the leaves, husks and bark of the plant are helpful in herbal medicine and to produce natural pesticides. While Juglans regia is helpful in many applications, its full potential cannot be reached until problems linked to standardizing its extracts, performing revealing clinical trials, managing allergic reactions and safeguarding the environment are addressed.  Juglone which belongs to the naphthoquinone family, is useful for health benefits but misuse can cause toxicity. Those who are allergic to walnuts must protect themselves.