Astounding the synergistic interplay of walnuts in combating inflammation and oxidative damage

Abstract

Inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) are crucial processes essential in various physiological and pathological states. The imbalance in reactive oxygen species (ROS) interrupts the body’s natural defense system, making fatal disorders more likely to develop. Walnut, also known as Juglans Regia L. is a valuable nut that can significantly reduce OS and inflammation. Walnut contains a considerable amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), flavonoids and phenolic compounds, specifically ellagitannins, that have emerged as major anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory contributors by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Moreover, quercetin, gallic acid, epigallocatechin-3-gallate and chlorogenic acid scavenge free radicals, modulate pro-inflammatory pathways and suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines. Currently, there is a limited compilation of previous research studies on walnut’s anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory potential, along with their curative insights against other physiological conditions. This review presents an overview of the latest research studies of walnuts in different forms, as a whole, its extract, oil, protein hydrolysate, peptides, etc., supporting its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential in tabular form, along with the figures to demonstrate the underlying mechanisms of its active components through animal and clinical trials. The regulatory effects of the bioactive substances against hyperlipidemia, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, seizures, hypertension, ischemic stroke, and cancer have also been elaborated. The findings of the present compilation of research studies suggest that walnuts have a remarkable potential to alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation due to its high concentration of bioactive compounds, by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, scavenging free radicals, and modify pro-inflammatory pathways. The incorporation of walnuts in daily diet is an effective therapeutic approach to support overall health and wellness.

Keywords

• Oxidative stress
• Inflammation
• Walnuts polyphenols complexes
• Ellagic acid
• Urolithins
• Dietary intervention