Walnut Flower Essence by Flower Essence Services

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Hypercholesterolemia. Small clinical trials show that consuming English walnuts as part of a low-fat diet seems to lower cholesterol. Total cholesterol and lipoproteins are decreased when English walnuts are substituted for other fatty foods and constitute up to 20% of the calories in the diet. When English walnuts are added to a low fat diet, total cholesterol may be decreased by 4% to 12% and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) may be decreased by 8% to 16% (6431,8476,8477). Substituting English walnuts for other dietary fats as part of a diet containing 30% fat seems to improve high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol-to-total cholesterol ratios in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, there is no effect on levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol when compared with a 30% fat diet without English walnuts (13300).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Coronary heart disease (CHD). Epidemiological research has found that people who increase dietary consumption of nuts in general might have a lower risk of CHD and death due to coronary events. However, there is no available evidence showing that eating English walnut, specifically, reduces the risk of CHD (8478,13299). In 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that it would allow a qualified health claim stating that consuming 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of CHD. The FDA has concluded that this claim is based on supporting, rather than conclusive, evidence (102335).
• Diabetes. Taking English walnut leaf extract for up to 3 months does not appear to improve glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) or lipid levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (97749,97750). However, whether English walnut can improve fasting blood glucose remains unclear. Some clinical research shows that taking English walnut leaf extract 100 mg twice daily for 3 months decreases fasting blood glucose by 13% compared with placebo (97750). In contrast, other clinical research shows that taking English walnut leaf extract 100 mg once daily for one week and then twice daily for 7 weeks has no effect on fasting blood glucose levels (97749). Substituting English walnuts for other dietary fats as part of a diet containing 30% fat seems to improve high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol-to-total cholesterol ratios in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, there is no effect on levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol when compared with a 30% fat diet without English walnuts (13300). More evidence is needed to rate English walnut for these uses.

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LIKELY SAFE ...when the fruit (nut), leaf, or hull is consumed in amounts normally found in foods (4912,6431,8476,8477).

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when the leaf extract is used orally at doses of up to 200 mg for up to 3 months (97749,97750).

POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when the bark is used orally or topically, due to its juglone content (12). When applied topically, juglone-containing bark can cause skin irritation. When used orally on a daily basis, juglone-containing bark is associated with increased risk of tongue cancer and lip leukoplakia (2,12). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of the fruit, leaf, or hull when used orally in medicinal amounts or when applied topically.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when the fruit (nut), leaf, or hull is consumed in amounts normally found in foods (4912).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when the bark is used orally or topically (12); avoid using. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of the fruit, leaf, or hull when used orally in medicinal amounts during pregnancy and lactation; avoid using.

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General ...Orally, the fruit (nut) of English walnut is well tolerated (8476,8477); however, it can cause softening of stools and mild bloating (6431). Oral allergy syndrome may occur in people who are allergic to English walnuts. This is characterized by itching of the oral cavity immediately after consumption. Rarely this syndrome may cause swelling of the lips and tongue (angioedema) (8479). English walnut leaf extract has been reported to cause gastrointestinal adverse events, especially mild diarrhea (97750). Daily use of English walnut bark is associated with increased risk of tongue cancer and lip leukoplakia due to its juglone content (2,12).
Topically, English walnut hull preparations can lead to yellow or brown discoloration of skin and mucous membranes due to its juglone content. It can also cause contact dermatitis (12,12980).

Dermatologic ...Topically, English walnut hull preparations, which contain juglone, can cause a temporary yellow or brown discoloration of skin and mucous membranes. It can also cause contact dermatitis (12,12980).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, the fruit (nut) of English walnut might cause softening of stools and mild bloating (6431). Oral allergy syndrome may occur in people who are allergic to English walnuts. This is characterized by itching of the oral cavity immediately after consumption. Rarely this syndrome may cause swelling of the lips and tongue (angioedema) (8479). Walnut leaf extract has been reported to cause gastrointestinal adverse events, especially mild diarrhea, in 39% of adults in one study (97750). Daily use of walnut bark is associated with increased risk of tongue cancer and lip leukoplakia due to its juglone content (2,12).

Immunologic ...Tree nuts, which include English walnuts, can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Due to the prevalence of this allergy in the general population, tree nuts are classified as a major food allergen in the United States (105410).
Oral allergy syndrome may occur in people who are allergic to English walnuts. This is characterized by itching of the oral cavity immediately after consumption. Rarely this syndrome may cause swelling of the lips and tongue (angioedema) (8479).

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