Therapeutic Effects of Walnuts (Juglans L.): Insights from Randomized Controlled Trials

Fatemeh Afra; Arman Zargaran; Shaghayegh Namvar; Nooshin Shirzad; Mahboobeh Hemmatabadi; Soha Namazi

doi:10.18502/jpc.v13i2.19311

Fatemeh Afra Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Arman Zargaran Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Shaghayegh Namvar Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Nooshin Shirzad Department of Endocrinology, Vali-Asr Hospital, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Imam Khomeini Complex Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mahboobeh Hemmatabadi Department of Endocrinology, Vali-Asr Hospital, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Imam Khomeini Complex Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Soha Namazi Research Center for Rational Use of Drugs, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jpc.v13i2.19311

Keywords: Herbal Medicine; Drug Effect; Therapeutic Use; Juglans; Walnut Effect

Abstract

Background: This review elucidates the multifaceted therapeutic effects of Juglans L. (J.), a medicinal plant with a rich heritage in traditional medicine and promising potential in modern healthcare. Methods: A narrative review was conducted focusing on randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published between 2000 and 2023. A comprehensive literature search was performed in databases including PubMed, Scopus, ClinicalKey, Google Scholar, and the Persian Scientific Information Database. The keywords “Juglans” and “J.” were used. Only human RCTs evaluating various parts of the plant (fruit, leaves, bark, internal septum) were included. Non-human and non-randomized studies were excluded. Results: The findings reveal that while some trials report significant health benefits of J., others show minimal or no effects, suggesting the importance of personalized approaches in clinical application. Conclusion: This review underscores the growing role of herbal medicine in preventive care and as a complement to standard treatments. Further studies are needed to clarify its mechanisms of action, determine optimal dosing, and evaluate long-term safety and efficacy. As global interest in natural remedies rises, J. stands out as a promising candidate in both preventive and therapeutic contexts.