Background

English walnut is a tree. The fruit (nut) is a popular food. The nut, the shell of the nut (hull), and the leaf are used to make medicine.

The nut is used as a part of the diet to lower cholesterol in people with high cholesterol. The nut, shell, and leaf are used for many other conditions, including diabetes, stomach problems, and skin conditions. But there is no good scientific research to support the use of English walnut for any of these other conditions.

In foods, English walnut is commonly eaten as a snack, in baking, and in salads.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: The fruit (nut), shell, and leaf of English walnut are LIKELY SAFE for most people when eaten in usual food amounts. There isn't enough reliable information to know if the fruit or shell are safe in the larger amounts used as medicine. The leaf extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken at doses up to 200 mg daily for up to 3 months. The leaf extract can cause diarrhea. English walnut bark is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Taking the bark daily might increase the risk for tongue or lip cancer.

When applied to the skin: English walnut bark is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. It contains a chemical called juglone that can irritate the skin.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: The fruit (nut), leaf, and shell of English walnut are LIKELY SAFE in food amounts. But there isn't enough information to know if these parts are safe in the larger amounts used as medicine. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts. English walnut bark is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Don't take English walnut bark by mouth or apply it to the skin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Allergies to peanuts and tree nuts: People with peanut allergies are more likely to be allergic to nuts called "tree nuts." English walnut is a tree nut. People who are allergic to one tree nut are also more likely to have an allergy to at least one other tree nut. Doctors often advise people with peanut allergies and tree nut allergies to avoid eating any tree nuts unless you know that you are not allergic to them.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

• For high cholesterol: 8-11 English walnut nuts or 30-56 grams (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup) have been substituted for fats in the diet.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

It is not known if English Walnut interacts with any medicines. Before taking English Walnut, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

Action

The nut of the English walnut contains chemicals called fatty acids, which might be useful as part of a cholesterol-lowering diet. It also contains chemicals that can expand blood vessels, possibly improving circulation and the way the heart works. Some of these chemicals might also help with swelling, pain, and cancer.