Juglans regia

Common walnut

Juglans regia, commonly known as the Persian or English walnut, is a majestic deciduous tree prized for its nutrient-dense seeds. Beyond culinary uses, it holds significant medicinal value in traditional practices, offering potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties that support cardiovascular health and cognitive function through its rich bioactive compounds.

  • Scientific name: Juglans regia
  • Family: Juglandaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fagales, it is classified under the family Juglandaceae. It is further identified by the genus Juglans, specifically as the species Juglans regia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fagales WCVP
Family Juglandaceae WCVP
Genus Juglans WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Juglans regia, is recognized by various common names across different languages and cultures. In Lebanese Arabic, it is referred to as Zamen Nëssert (lb), while in Quechua, it is called Tuqti (qu). It is known as Orah (bs) in Bosnian, அக்ரூட் (ta) in Tamil, and is called Nogal (ceb) in Cebuano.
Language Common Name Source
lb Zamen Nëssert Wikidata
qu Tuqti Wikidata
bs Orah Wikidata
ta அக்ரூட் Wikidata
ceb Nogal Wikidata
bn আখরোট Wikidata
sq arra Wikidata
el Καρυδιά Wikidata
ckb گوێز Wikidata
nn valnøtt Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions of Europe. In Northern Europe, its presence is noted in Denmark and the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. It can also be found further north within the borders of Norway. Moving toward the center of the continent, the species is documented in Middle Europe. Specifically, its range extends into the country of Austria.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Middle Europe Poland WCVP
Middle Europe Switzerland WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Juglans regia, commonly known as the English walnut, possesses various components that contribute to its medicinal profile. The leaves, or a single leaf, are often utilized in traditional remedies for their astringent properties, while the thick bark can be harvested for its therapeutic potential. The most well-known part is the seed, which is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. Furthermore, scientific studies have highlighted that the plant contains a significant amount of total flavonoids, which contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities.
Total parts
9
Scientific sources
18
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 5 ★★★☆☆
leaf 3 ★★☆☆☆
bark 3 ★★☆☆☆
seed 2 ★☆☆☆☆
total flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
peel‌ 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf extracts 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruit 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bark powder 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Juglans regia has 61 reported phytochemicals identified across 81 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, polyphenols, quercetin, juglone, catechin.

Total chemicals
61
Scientific sources
81

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 5 ★★★☆☆
polyphenols 5 ★★★☆☆
quercetin 4 ★★☆☆☆
juglone 3 ★★☆☆☆
catechin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
condensed tannins 2 ★☆☆☆☆
epicatechin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
kaempferol 2 ★☆☆☆☆
linoleic acid 2 ★☆☆☆☆
myricetin 2 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Juglans regia has 20 reported activities identified across 43 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Anticancer.

Total activities
20
Scientific sources
43

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 9 ★★★★☆
Antimicrobial 6 ★★★☆☆
Antibacterial 4 ★★☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 4 ★★☆☆☆
Anticancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimutagenic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Hypolipidemic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiglycation 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Juglans regia has 71 reported medicinal uses identified across 83 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, diabetes mellitus, inflammation, anorexia, antidiabetic.

Total uses
71
Scientific sources
83

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 4 ★★☆☆☆
diabetes mellitus 3 ★★☆☆☆
inflammation 3 ★★☆☆☆
anorexia 2 ★☆☆☆☆
antidiabetic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
diarrhea 2 ★☆☆☆☆
eczema 2 ★☆☆☆☆
sinusitis 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Apo-B 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Ascaridia galli 1 ★☆☆☆☆