JUGLANS REGIA: A REVIEW OF ITS TRADITIONAL USES PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGY

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is the most widespread tree nut in the world. The tree is commonly called as the Persian walnut, white walnut, English walnut or common walnut. It belongs to Juglandaceae and has the scientific name Juglans regia (J. regia). The array of human health benefits, derived from walnut is primarily due to the abundant presence of phytochemical components such as flavonoids, carotenoids, alkaloids, nitrogen-containing compounds, as well as other polyphenolic. All parts of the plant are important viz. kernel, bark, leaves, flowers, green husk, septum, oil etc. Oil of this plant is extensively used in ayurveda, unani, homeopathic and allopathic system of medicines. Many health benefits claimed for the consumption of J. regia includes antioxidant, antihistaminic, analgesic, bronchodilator, antiulcer, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antifertility, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, neuroprotective, anticancer, lipolytic, wound healing, insecticidal and several other therapeutic properties. This review article attempts, bring to light the available literature on J. regia with respect to traditional, ethnobotany, phytoconstituents and summary of various pharmacological activities on animal and humans