English Walnut Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is English Walnut Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

The US Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) lists the tree from which English Walnuts are derived as a significant allergen. Therefore, any packaged food or supplement product on the US market that contains tree nuts, including English Walnut, has to carry an allergen label.

Generally, consuming normal amounts of the nut, leaf, or unusual ripped outer section of the English Walnut, found in food, is categorized as 'Likely Safe.' It's also rated as 'Possibly Safe' when a leaf extract of up to 200 mg is taken orally for as long as three months. However, it becomes potentially unsafe when a tree's bark, containing juglone, is orally or topically used. This can cause skin irritation and might increase the risk of certain mouth cancers. Not enough reliable information exists to guarantee the safety of using these parts medicinally, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding, hence such uses should be avoided.

How Is English Walnut Thought To Work? What is the mechanism of action?

The parts of the English walnut typically used are the fruit (or "nut"), the hull (or casing) and the leaf. The fruit is high in linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) and alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid,) along with good amounts of fiber, protein, phosphorus, potassium, folate and antioxidants like vitamin E, ellagic acid, and other polyphenols. The hulls and leaves contain juglone and plumbagin, while the leaves also include ferulic acid, vanillic acid, and myricetin amongst other substances.

Eating English walnut fruit may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Its fiber, vitamin E, and folate content might also have a beneficial effect on reducing the risk of heart disease. Some clinical research indicates that English walnuts can improve endothelial function, essential in one's defense against developing atherosclerosis. The English walnut leaf may lower blood pressure, ease tension in the blood vessels and stimulate muscles smooth as well.

The nut has potential anti-cancer effects, especially in reducing prostate cancer growth, as shown in animal tests. The walnut's components that aid have not been fully identified, but it's likely not related to fat content. The extract is also used topically to reduce pain and swelling.

In the realm of reproductive health, daily consumption of 75 grams of English walnuts appears to improve sperm vitality, movement, and normal appearance in men. Essential fatty acid increases in the blood, notably alpha-linolenic acid, correlating with these improvements.

Pharmacokinetics

The consumption of walnuts results in higher amounts of alpha-linolenic acid and omega-6 fatty acids circulating in the blood.

Interaction Overview (See Bottom of Page For Full List)

No known interactions with any drugs, supplements, or lab tests exist. However, those who generally have allergies to nuts may be sensitive to English Walnuts. If you feel any discomfort or allergic reactions, it's advisable to seek immediate medical attention.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

While the English walnut fruit is generally well tolerated when eaten, it can lead to stool softening and mild bloating. An oral allergy syndrome might develop, causing itching and mouth swelling immediately upon consumption for those allergic to English walnuts.

There are also risks of developing allergic reactions such as swelling of the lips and tongue. Frequent use of English walnut bark might increase the risk of mouth cancers due to their juglone content. Topically-used products can cause discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes. Contact dermatitis could also arise from applying direct to skin.

Are Supplements Standardized?

English walnut leaf extracts have been tested clinically with the leaf material collected from the Dashtenaz area, Sari, Iran. It undergoes a drying process at room temperature and is then extracted with 70% ethanol. Sampled in capsule form, the dried extract is standardized in the processing to equate to 40 mg of gallic acid per gram. An equivalent of 200 mg of this extract relates to containing 7 grams of dried leaves and 41mg/gram of gallic acid equivalents.

What Is English Walnut Typically Used For?

English walnut has various uses. It is used orally for certain conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and coronary heart disease. The hull of the walnut is utilized for nausea, while people use the leaf for conditions like diarrhea, diabetes, and infections caused by parasites. Along with other herbs, English walnut has been applied to treating common conditions like diabetes, gastritis, and anemia.

Additionally, it's a popular nut often eaten as a snack, and regularly included in baking ingredients and salads.

Drugs that interact with English Walnut