Therapeutic Applications of Almonds (Prunus amygdalus L): A Review

Abstract

Almond trees are a source of beauty, inspiration, food and medicine. They are native to the region which extends from India to Persia; the almond tree had spread to east and west of its native region thousands of years before Christ. Almonds are good sources of anti-oxidant nutrients. Almonds contain proteins and certain minerals such as calcium and magnesium. They are a rich source of vitamin E, dietary fiber, B-vitamins, essential minerals mono-unsaturated fats and phytosterols which have cholesterol lowering properties. Almonds are a useful food remedy for anaemia. They are beneficial in the treatment of constipation and various skin diseases like eczema, pimples. Almonds are also useful in treating gastro-enteritis, kidney pains, diabetes, head lice, facial neuralgia and gastric ulcers. This review focuses on the phytochemical composition and the medicinal uses, along with the pharmacological properties of almonds.

Keywords

• almonds
• prunus
• anti-oxidant
• nutrition
• vitamin e
• anaemia