Research Update:Walnut

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   Phytochemical info of Walnut.

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 Definition:Walnut are majorly composed of
 Chemical information disclosed as following table:


   Research Update:Walnut

  Walnut (Juglans regia L.) leaves: Phenolic compounds, antibacterial activity and antioxidant potential of different cultivars.:Food Chem Toxicol. 2007 Jun 12;Pereira JA, Oliveira I, Sousa A, Valent?o P, Andrade PB, Ferreira IC, Ferreres F, Bento A, Seabra R, Estevinho L.CIMO/Escola Superior Agr¨¢ria, Instituto Polit¨¦cnico de Bragan?a, Campus Sta Apol¨®nia, Apt. 1172, 5301-855 Bragan?a, Portugal.

 Different cultivars of walnut (Juglans regia L.) leaves (Cv. Lara, Franquette, Mayette, Marbot, Mellanaise and Parisienne) grown in Portugal, were investigated in what concerns phenolic compounds and antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Phenolics analysis was performed by reversed-phase HPLC/DAD and 10 compounds were identified and quantified: 3- and 5-caffeoylquinic acids, 3- and 4-p-coumaroylquinic acids, p-coumaric acid, quercetin 3-galactoside, quercetin 3-pentoside derivative, quercetin 3-arabinoside, quercetin 3-xyloside and quercetin 3-rhamnoside. The antimicrobial capacity was screened against Gram positive (Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae) and fungi (Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans). Walnut leaves selectively inhibited the growth of Gram positive bacteria, being B. cereus the most susceptible one (MIC 0.1mg/mL). Gram negative bacteria and fungi were resistant to the extracts at 100mg/mL. Lara walnut leaves were also submitted to antibacterial assays using 18 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus sp. Antioxidant activity was accessed by the reducing power assay, the scavenging effect on DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals and beta-carotene linoleate model system. In a general way, all of the studied walnut leaves cultivars presented high antioxidant activity (EC(50) values lower than 1mg/mL), being Cv. Lara the most effective one.

  Effect of Walnut-Enriched Restructured Meat in the Antioxidant Status of Overweight/Obese Senior Subjects with at Least One Extra CHD-Risk Factor.:J Am Coll Nutr. 2007 Jun;26(3):225-32.Canales A, Bened¨ª J, Nus M, Librelotto J, S¨¢nchez-Montero JM, S¨¢nchez-Muniz FJ.Departamento de Nutrici¨®n y Bromatologia I (Nutrici¨®n), Facultad de Farmacia. Universidad Complutense, E-28040-Madrid, SPAIN. frasan@farm.ucm.es.

 BACKGROUND: A number of recent studies indicate that antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress associated with the development of coronary heart diseases (CHD). OBJECTIVE: (i) To investigate whether the erythrocyte catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total glutathione, reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and lipid peroxidation (LPO), and serum uric acid and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) are modified at increased CHD-risk individuals consuming walnut-enriched meat (WM), (ii) to evaluate whether these changes were influenced by basal serum cholesterol, body mass index or smoking habit. DESIGN: The study was a non blinded, cross-over, placebo-controlled trial in which 22 volunteers (60% overweight and 40% obese) with increased CHD-risk were randomly assigned to receive WM or control meat (CM) during two different periods of 5 weeks. RESULTS: A significant interaction time*treatment (p < 0.05) was observed in all enzymes and substrates tested except HDL-C, uric acid and LPO. The treatment significantly increased CAT activity, total glutathione and GSSG (p < 0.05). Significant gender*time*treatment interaction (p = 0.043) for total glutathione was found increasing at the end of the WM period in male but not changing in female. Total glutathione and GSH/GSSG ratio (p < 0.05) were lower in smokers. Hypercholesterolemics presented higher uric acid (p < 0.05) but no enzyme activities or substrate concentrations were different from those of normocholesterolemics. CONCLUSIONS: The WM tested appears to be a functional food as it improved the antioxidant status of increased CHD-risk volunteers. Despite its high energy content, it also appears adequate for overweight and obese people because did not exert negative effect upon body weight.

  Ethnoveterinary medicines used to treat endoparasites and stomach problems in pigs and pets in British Columbia, Canada.:Vet Parasitol. 2007 Jul 10;Lans C, Turner N, Khan T, Brauer G.BCICS, University of Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada.

 This paper documents the medicinal plants used to treat endoparasites and stomach problems in dogs, cats and pigs in British Columbia, Canada. Ethnoveterinary data was collected over a 6-month period in 2003. The majority of the information on pets came from 2 naturopaths, 10 herbalists, 5 dog trainers, breeders and pet shop owners, 9 holistic veterinarians and 6 of 27 organic farmers. Two pig farmers joined the study in the final stages. The following plants were used as anthelmintics: Artemisia cina O. Berg and C.F. Schmidt, Artemisia vulgaris L., Artemisia annua, Calendula officinalis L., Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (all Asteraceae), Mentha piperita L. and Salvia officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) (Allium sativum L. (Alliaceae), Cucurbita pepo L. (Cucurbitaceae), Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb (Myrtaceae), Gentiana lutea L. (Gentianaceae), Hydrastis canadensis L. (Ranunculaceae), Juglans nigra L. (Juglandaceae), Olea europaea L. (Oleaceae) and Ruta graveolens L. (Rutaceae)). Stomach problems were treated with: Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae), Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (Asphodelaceae), Elytrigia repens (L.) Desv. ex Nevski (Poaceae), Frangula purshiana (DC.) Cooper (Rhamnaceae), Juniperus communis L. (Cupressaceae), Melissa officinalis L. and M. piperita L. (Lamiaceae), Petroselinum crispum L. (Apiaceae), Plantago major L. and Plantago ovata Forssk. (Plantaginaceae) Rumex crispus L. and Rumex obtusifolius L. (Polygonaceae), Ulmus fulva Michx. (Ulmaceae) and Zingiber officinalis Roscoe (Zingiberaceae). There is insufficient information available to assess the anthelmintic efficacies of C. officinalis, Salvia officinalis, Eugenia caryophyllata and O. europaea; the other plants have mid- to high-level validity for their ethnoveterinary uses.

  Arylesterase activity and antioxidant status depend on PON1-Q192R and PON1-L55M polymorphisms in subjects with increased risk of cardiovascular disease consuming walnut-enriched meat.:J Nutr. 2007 Jul;137(7):1783-8.Nus M, Frances F, Librelotto J, Canales A, Corella D, S¨¢nchez-Montero JM, S¨¢nchez-Muniz FJ.Departamento de Nutrici¨®n y Bromatolog¨ªa I (Nutrici¨®n), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid E-28040, Spain.

 Human paraoxonase (PON1) exists in 2 major polymorphic forms and has been shown to protect LDL and HDL against oxidation. The aim of this study was to assess the differences between subjects at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), taking into account the effects of PON1-Q192R and PON1-L55M polymorphisms on 1) basal serum arylesterase activity, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-C, total cholesterol (TC), and oxidized-LDL (ox-LDL) concentrations; 2) the relations between arylesterase activity and lipid variables; and 3) the effect of walnut-enriched meat (WM) consumption on arylesterase activity and lipid variables. Twenty-three Caucasians at increased risk of CVD were randomly assigned to diet order groups in a crossover, nonblinded, placebo-controlled trial, consisting of two 5-wk experimental periods [WM and control meat (CM)]. Significant PON1-L55M x PON1-Q192R interactions affected basal serum HDL-C (P = 0.019), LDL-C (P = 0.028) and TC (P = 0.022) and tended to affect arylesterase activity (P = 0.083). Basal arylesterase activity was positively correlated with basal HDL-C (r = 0.53; P < 0.05) and TC (r = 0.43; P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with LPO (r = -0.70; P < 0.01) and the ox-LDL:LDL ratio (r = -0.63; P < 0.01). WM decreased arylesterase activity in PON1-55M carriers (P = 0.012) but not in PON1-L55 individuals, and decreased LPO concentrations in PON1-192R carriers (P = 0.031) but not in PON1-Q192 subjects. To conclude, serum TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C concentrations and arylesterase activity depend on the interaction of PON1-L55M and PON1-Q192R polymorphisms. However, the PON1-Q192R polymorphism is more closely related to antioxidant status. Both polymorphisms modulate the effect of WM consumption on CVD biomarkers.

  Elemental composition and chemical characteristics of five edible nuts (almond, Brazil, pecan, macadamia and walnut) consumed in Southern Africa.:J Environ Sci Health B. 2007 Jun-Jul;42(5):585-91.Moodley R, Kindness A, Jonnalagadda SB.School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.

 The total elemental concentrations and proximate chemical composition of five different tree nuts, almond (Prunus dulcus), Brazil (Bertholletia excelsa), pecan (Carya pecan), macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) and walnut (Juglans nigra) that are consumed in South African households were investigated. In addition, six physicochemical properties of the extracted nut oils, namely acid value, iodine value, saponification value, refractive index, density and specific gravity were evaluated. A high concentration of Se (36.1 +/- 0.4 microg g(- 1)) was found in the Brazil nuts only. With maximum and minimum limits being set by the almond and pecan nut samples, Cr ranging from 0.94 +/- 0.14-2.02 +/- 0.07 microg g(- 1) was detected in the nut samples. Generally, the order of the concentrations of the elements in all the nut samples is found to be Mg > Ca > Fe > Cu > Cr > As > Se. The concentrations of Mn and Zn showed greater variation amongst the different types of nuts. The extracted oils showed low acid values and high saponification values with the macadamia nut sample having the highest oil content (76.0 +/- 0.5 g per 100 g of sample), the lowest acid value (0.42 +/- 0.01 mg KOH per g of oil) and highest saponification value (193.7 +/- 2.4 mg KOH per g of oil). The present findings are useful in calculating the Dietary Reference Intakes of these nutrients.


  Engineering oilseed plants for a sustainable, land-based source of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.:Lipids. 2007 Apr;42(3):179-85. Epub 2007 Mar 14. Review.Damude HG, Kinney AJ.Crop Genetics Research, DuPont Experimental Station, Wilmington, DE 19880-0353, USA

 Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the cardiovascular and mental health benefits of including very long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, namely eicospentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosohexaenoic acid (DHA) in the human diet. Certain fish oils can be a rich source of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids although processed marine oils are generally undesirable as food ingredients because of the associated objectionable flavors and contaminants that are difficult and cost-prohibitive to remove. Oilseed plants rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as flax and walnut oils, contain only the 18-carbon omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, which is poorly converted by the human body to EPA and DHA. It is now possible to engineer common omega-6 rich oilseeds such as soybean and canola to produce EPA and DHA and this has been the focus of a number of academic and industrial research groups. Recent advances and future prospects in the production of EPA and DHA in oilseed crops are discussed here.

  Severity of walnut anthracnose and its relatively resistant in Iran.:Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci. 2006;71(3 Pt B):1267-74.Saremi H, Hashemi SR, Okhovvat SM.Department of plant pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Zanjan University, Iran.

 Walnut black spot or Anthracnose has been a destructive disease of Juglans in Iran mainly northwest of the country. Current situation of the disease was studied in various regions including Qazvin, Zanjan, Hamedan and East Azarbyjan provinces during 1999 to 2002. Infected samples such as leaves, fruits and foliage were collected and cultured in PDA, CMA and NA media after surface sterilization with sodium hypochlorite. Morphological characteristics and asexual reproduction of isolated pathogen showed that the fungal causal agent was Marssonina jglandis (Lib) Magn. which perfect stage was Gnomonia leptostyla (Fr). The disease was severing under studied areas, especially when it was rainy and humidity. Virulence of the disease caused major defoliation in some walnut trees infected to anthracnose disease. So, investigation showed that the collecting or burning infected leaves and fruits under trees could reduce severity of disease. Study also resulted there was a resistant variety around the Qazvin province traditionally called "Alamoty" which had not any anthracnose infection in natural condition. The result of experimental work with inoculation of different walnut clones by spore suspension (10(5)) in glasshouse has also indicated that this original clone was more resistant than others to anthracnose disease. Alamoty clone had favorite yield production and some trees presented more than 250 years old in Iran.

  Effects of a high walnut and high cashew nut diet on selected markers of the metabolic syndrome: a controlled feeding trial.:Br J Nutr. 2007 Jun;97(6):1144-53. Epub 2007 Mar 7.Mukuddem-Petersen J, Stonehouse Oosthuizen W, Jerling JC, Hanekom SM, White Z.School of Computer, Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Potchefstroom, South Africa. Janine.MukuddemPetersen@NWU.ac.za

 We investigated the effects of a high walnut diet and a high unsalted cashew nut diet on selected markers of the metabolic syndrome. In a randomized, parallel, controlled study design, sixty-four subjects having the metabolic syndrome (twenty-nine men, thirty-five women) with a mean age of 45 (sd 10) years and who met the selection criteria were all fed a 3-week run-in control diet. Hereafter, participants were grouped according to gender and age and then randomized into three groups receiving a controlled feeding diet including walnuts, or unsalted cashew nuts or no nuts for 8 weeks. Subjects were required to have lunch at the metabolic ward of the Nutrition Department of the North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus). Both the walnut and the unsalted cashew nut intervention diets had no significant effect on the HDL-cholesterol, TAG, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, serum fructosamine, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, blood pressure and serum uric acid concentrations when compared to the control diet. Low baseline LDL-cholesterol concentrations in the cashew nut group may have masked a possible nut-related benefit. Plasma glucose concentrations increased significantly (P = 0.04) in the cashew nut group compared to the control group. By contrast, serum fructosamine was unchanged in the cashew nut group while the control group had significantly increased (P = 0.04) concentrations of this short-term marker of glycaemic control. Subjects displayed no improvement in the markers of the metabolic syndrome after following a walnut diet or a cashew nut diet compared to a control diet while maintaining body weight.

  The effects of high walnut and cashew nut diets on the antioxidant status of subjects with metabolic syndrome.:Eur J Nutr. 2007 Apr;46(3):155-64. Epub 2007 Mar 21.Davis L, Stonehouse W, Loots du T, Mukuddem-Petersen J, van der Westhuizen FH, Hanekom SM, Jerling JC.School of Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Science, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa. vgeld@puk.ac.za

 BACKGROUND: Nut consumption is associated with a protective effect against coronary heart disease, partly due to its high antioxidant content. It is hypothesized that the inclusion of nuts in the diet will improve the antioxidant status of subjects with metabolic syndrome who may be vulnerable to impaired antioxidant status. AIM: The effects of high cashew nut and high walnut diets on the antioxidant status of subjects with metabolic syndrome are investigated. METHODOLOGY: Sixty-four volunteers (29 male and 35 female, 45 +/- 10y) with metabolic syndrome (diagnosed by using the ATP III criteria) received a prudent control diet, prepared in the metabolic kitchen of the North-West University, Potchefstroom campus (NWU-PC) for a period of 3 weeks (run-in). The participants were grouped according to gender and age and randomized into three groups, receiving either the walnut, cashew nut or the control diets for 8 weeks, while maintaining a stable body weight. Nuts provided 20% of daily energy intake. Fasting blood samples were taken after the run-in period (baseline) and at the end of the intervention period and analyzed for various antioxidant capacity markers. RESULTS: The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of the walnut and cashew nut diets were significantly higher than the control diet. Despite this, the walnut and cashew nut diets had no significant effects on serum ORAC, reduced (GSH), oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, GSH:GSSG or diacron reactive metabolites (dRom) (total oxidant status) levels compared to the control group. However, all three groups showed significant improvements in antioxidant status from baseline to end (GSSG and dRom levels decreased; GSG:GSSG ratio and ORAC levels increased). This may be due to a general increased antioxidant intake from the prudent diet compared to the habitual diets. CONCLUSION: Although the inclusion of walnuts and cashew nuts into a prudent diet resulted in an increased antioxidant capacity (ORAC) of the nut diets, compared to the control diet, it did not improve the serum antioxidant profiles of subjects with metabolic syndrome.

  Microbe contamination of the cream with the dense extract of walnut leafs during storage.:Georgian Med News. 2007 Jan;(142):67-9.Goletiani K, Tsagareishvill G, Gubchenko T, Strilets O, Bashura A.Department of Cosmetology and Aromatology, National Pharmaceutical University of Kharkov; Institute of Pharmacochemistry, Academy of Sciences of Georgia.

 As a result of experiment there has been studied microbial contamination of cream with a dense extract of leaves of a walnut, which is intended for dry skin care, inclined to irritation in process of storage during two years at the following temperature modes: 4,0+/-2,0 degrees C and 25,0+/-2,0 degrees C. There is experimentally proved, that in developed cream with a dense extract of leaves of a walnut, during the entire storage period, there have not been revealed presence of bacterium of family Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. There is established microbiological cleanliness, have been defined, that the total number of bacterium for 1 g of preparation does not exceed 10, and the same of fungus - 20.


  Two novel dicarboxylic Acid derivatives and a new dimeric hydrolyzable tannin from walnuts.:J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Feb 7;55(3):672-9.

 In addition to the 16 previously reported polyphenols including 3 new ellagitannins, 2 novel dicarboxylic acid derivatives, glansreginins A (1) and B (2), and a new dimeric hydrolyzable tannin, glansrin D (3), were isolated, together with 15 known compounds from walnuts, the seeds of Juglans regia. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of 1D- and 2D-NMR analyses and chemical data. The antioxidant effect of these isolates was also evaluated by SOD-like and DPPH radical scavenging activities.

  Fatty acid profiles, tocopherol contents, and antioxidant activities of heartnut (Juglans ailanthifolia Var. cordiformis) and Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.).:J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Feb 21;55(4):1164-9. Epub 2007 Jan 25.Li L, Tsao R, Yang R, Kramer JK, Hernandez M.Food Research Program, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 93 Stone Road West, Guelph, Ontario N1G 5C9, Canada.

 The fatty acid and tocopherol compositions of three heartnut (Juglans ailanthifolia var. cordiformis) varieties (Imshu, Campbell CW1, and Campbell CW3) were examined and compared with those of two Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) varieties (Combe and Lake). The major fatty acids found in heartnuts and walnuts were identified by gas chromatography as linoleic (18:2n-6), alpha-linolenic (18:3n-3), oleic (18:1n-9), palmitic (16:0), and stearic acid (18:0). Polyunsaturated fatty acids were the main group of fatty acids found in both heartnut and walnut, ranging from 73.07 to 80.98%, and were significantly higher in heartnut than in Persian walnuts (P < 0.001). In addition, heartnuts had significantly higher levels of 18:2n-6 and lower levels of 18:3n-3 compared to the Persian walnuts. gamma-Tocopherol was the main tocopherol homologue present in both types of nuts, followed by delta- and alpha-tocopherol. The highest concentration of gamma-tocopherol was found in Combe Persian walnut at 267.87 mug/g, followed by Lake Persian walnut and Imshu, Campbell CW1, and CW3 heartnut at 205.45, 187.33, 161.84, and 126.46 mug/g, respectively. Tocopherols, particularly the gamma-tocopherol, were found to contribute the most to the strong total antioxidant activities of both walnut and heartnut oils using either the free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay or the photochemiluminescence method.

  Laminar xanthine oxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the prodromal stage of black-walnut induced equine laminitis.:Equine Vet J. 2007 Jan;39(1):48-53.Loftus JP, Belknap JK, Stankiewicz KM, Black SJ.Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.

 REASONS FOR STUDY: Xanthine oxidase (XO)-dependent production of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide, a characteristic of ischaemia-reperfusion injury, may contribute to the development of equine laminitis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the levels of XO and antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase [SOD]) in the digital laminae of normal horses (CON) and horses in the developmental stage of laminitis using the black walnut extract (BWE) model. METHODS: Healthy horses (n = 12) were administered BWE (BWE group, n = 6), or water (CON group, n = 6) through a nasogastric tube. At the onset of leucopenia in the BWE-treated animals, all horses were anaesthetised, digital laminae and other samples collected rapidly and flash frozen, and the animals subjected to euthanasia. Extracts of the frozen tissues were assayed for the 2 conformational forms of xanthine: oxygen oxidoreductase (XOR), namely, xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and xanthine oxidase (XO), as well as the antioxidant enzymes, SOD and catalase. RESULTS: Extracts of liver, lungs and skin, but not digital laminae, from either CON or BWE-treated horses had endogenous SOD, whereas all had endogenous XO and catalase. The levels of XDH, XO and catalase were similar in extracts of laminae from CON and BWE-treated horses as was the ratio of XDH to XO in extracts. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The absence of increased XO activity suggest against the involvement of this reactive oxygen intermediate-generating system in the development of laminar pathology in BWE-treated horses. Conversely, the absence of SOD from extracts of equine digital laminae, but not other tissues, suggests that the equine digital laminae are highly susceptible to damage by superoxide anion, produced, for example, by emigrant inflammatory leucocytes.

  In vitro antioxidant activity of Juglans regia L. bark extract and its protective effect on cyclophosphamide-induced urotoxicity in mice.:Redox Rep. 2006;11(6):273-9.Bhatia K, Rahman S, Ali M, Raisuddin S.Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi, India.

 Walnut (Juglans regia L.) bark has been claimed to possess anti-inflammatory, blood purifying, anticancer, depurative, diuretic and laxative activities. It contains several therapeutically active constituents, especially polyphenols. We studied the antioxidant potential of aqueous extract of walnut bark and its modulatory effect on cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced urotoxicity in Swiss albino male mice. Free radical-scavenging activity of extract was assessed in four in vitro assays. The phenolic and flavonolic contents of the extract were also measured. Walnut bark extract treatment (150 mg/kg p.o. x 10 days) resulted in protective restoration of decreased antioxidants in CP-treated (18 mg/kg i.p. x 10 days) animals. CP treatment caused decreases in the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GP), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) and in the glutathione (GSH) content in urinary bladder and a significant concomitant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO). Administration of extract restored all the antioxidants significantly and lowered the elevated LPO in the bladder. A correlation between radical scavenging capacities of the extract with phenolic content was observed thus justifying its antioxidant potential against oxidative stress-mediated urotoxicity in mice. Walnut is reported to possess antiproliferative activity. Its protective effect on CP-induced toxicity in bladder is a promising activity, which warrants possible clinical investigations on this medicinal plant.

  Neutrophil myeloperoxidase measurements in plasma, laminar tissue, and skin of horses given black walnut extract.:Am J Vet Res. 2007 Jan;68(1):81-6.Riggs LM, Franck T, Moore JN, Krunkosky TM, Hurley DJ, Peroni JF, de la Rebi¨¨re G, Serteyn DA.Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.

 OBJECTIVE: To compare measurements of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in plasma, laminar tissues, and skin obtained from control horses and horses given black walnut heartwood extract (BWHE). ANIMALS: 22 healthy 5- to 15-year-old horses. PROCEDURES: Horses were randomly assigned to 4 groups as follows: a control group given water (n = 5) and 3 experimental groups given BWHE (17) via nasogastric intubation. Experimental groups consisted of 5, 6, and 6 horses that received BWHE and were euthanatized at 1.5, 3, and 12 hours after intubation, respectively. Control horses were euthanatized at 12 hours after intubation. Plasma samples were obtained hourly for all horses. Laminar tissue and skin from the middle region of the neck were harvested at the time of euthanasia. Plasma and tissue MPO concentrations were determined via an ELISA; tissue MPO activity was measured by use of specific immunologic extraction followed by enzymatic detection. RESULTS: Tissues and plasma of horses receiving BWHE contained significantly higher concentrations of MPO beginning at hour 3. Laminar tissue and skin from horses in experimental groups contained significantly higher MPO activity than tissues from control horses. Concentrations and activities of MPO in skin and laminar tissues were similar over time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In horses, BWHE administration causes increases in MPO concentration and activity in laminar tissue and skin and the time of increased MPO concentration correlates with emigration of WBCs from the vasculature. These findings support the hypothesis that activation of peripheral WBCs is an early step in the pathogenesis of acute laminitis.


  Polyphasic classification of Alternaria isolated from hazelnut and walnut fruit in Europe.:Mycol Res. 2006 Nov;110(Pt 11):1290-300. Epub 2006 Oct 30.Hong SG, Maccaroni M, Figuli PJ, Pryor BM, Belisario A.Division of Plant Pathology, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.

 Brown apical necrosis of English walnut and grey necrosis of hazelnut are destructive fruit diseases caused by a complex of opportunistic fungi including several small-spored catenulate Alternaria taxa. Thirty Alternaria isolates recovered from walnut and hazelnut fruit that were pathogenic on their respective host were compared along with type or representative isolates of A. alternata, A. tenuissima, A. arborescens, and A. infectoria using morphological and molecular criteria. Morphological examination using standardized procedures separated the walnut and hazelnut isolates into three morphological groups: the A. alternata group, the A. tenuissima group, and the A. arborescens group based upon common characteristics of the conidium and the sporulation apparatus. To evaluate genetic relationships among these groups, AFLP markers, inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers, and histone gene sequence data were compared. Based upon AFLP data, the A. alternata and A. tenuissima groups comprised a single lineage, and the A. arborescens group comprised a separate lineage. ISSR data supported the grouping by AFLP data except for three isolates of the A. alternata group that clustered with the A. arborescens group. Base substitution of the H4 gene supported the discrimination of the A. arborescens group from the A. alternata and A. tenuissima groups. Tests of hypotheses based upon groupings derived from the various data sets supported the discrimination of the A. arborescens group but did not support the discrimination of the A. alternata group from the A. tenuissima group.

  Acute effects of high-fat meals enriched with walnuts or olive oil on postprandial endothelial function.:J Am Coll Cardiol. 2006 Oct 17;48(8):1666-71. Epub 2006 Sep 26.Cort¨¦s B, N¨²?ez I, Cof¨¢n M, Gilabert R, P¨¦rez-Heras A, Casals E, Deulofeu R, Ros E.Departament de Medicina, Universitat Aut¨°noma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

 OBJECTIVES: We sought to investigate whether the addition of walnuts or olive oil to a fatty meal have differential effects on postprandial vasoactivity, lipoproteins, markers of oxidation and endothelial activation, and plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). BACKGROUND: Compared with a Mediterranean diet, a walnut diet has been shown to improve endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic patients. We hypothesized that walnuts would reverse postprandial endothelial dysfunction associated with consumption of a fatty meal. METHODS: We randomized in a crossover design 12 healthy subjects and 12 patients with hypercholesterolemia to 2 high-fat meal sequences to which 25 g olive oil or 40 g walnuts had been added. Both test meals contained 80 g fat and 35% saturated fatty acids, and consumption of each meal was separated by 1 week. Venipunctures and ultrasound measurements of brachial artery endothelial function were performed after fasting and 4 h after test meals. RESULTS: In both study groups, flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was worse after the olive oil meal than after the walnut meal (p = 0.006, time-period interaction). Fasting, but not postprandial, triglyceride concentrations correlated inversely with FMD (r = -0.324; p = 0.024). Flow-independent dilation and plasma ADMA concentrations were unchanged, and the concentration of oxidized low-density lipoproteins decreased (p = 0.051) after either meal. The plasma concentrations of soluble inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules decreased (p < 0.01) independently of meal type, except for E-selectin, which decreased more (p = 0.033) after the walnut meal. CONCLUSIONS: Adding walnuts to a high-fat meal acutely improves FMD independently of changes in oxidation, inflammation, or ADMA. Both walnuts and olive oil preserve the protective phenotype of endothelial cells.

  Walnut (Juglans).:Methods Mol Biol. 2006;344:297-307.Leslie CA, Uratsu SL, McGranahan G, Dandekar AM.Plant Science Department, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.

 Walnut species are important nut and timber producers in temperate regions of Europe, Asia, South America, and North America. Trees can be impacted by Phytophthora, crown gall, nematodes, and cherry leaf roll virus; nuts can be severely damaged by codling moth and Xanthomonas blight. The long-generation time of walnuts and an absence of identified natural resistance for most of these problems suggest biotechnological approaches to crop improvement. Described here is a somatic embryo based transformation protocol that has been used to successfully insert horticulturally useful traits into walnut. Selection is based on the combined use of the selectable neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII) gene and the scorable uidA gene. Transformed embryos can be germinated or micropropagated and rooted for plant production. The method described has been used to establish field trials of mature trees.

  Polyphenolic profiles and antioxidant activities of heartnut (Juglans ailanthifolia Var. cordiformis) and Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.).:J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Oct 18;54(21):8033-40.Li L, Tsao R, Yang R, Liu C, Zhu H, Young JC.Department of Chemistry, Changchun Normal College, Changchun 130032, China.

 The polyphenolic compositions of three heartnut (Juglans ailanthifolia var. cordiformis) varieties (Imshu, Campbell CW1, and Campbell CW3) were examined and compared with those of two Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) varieties (Combe and Lake). The nuts were defatted, extracted, and separated into three different fractions, the free phenolic acid (FPA), acid-hydrolyzable phenolic acid (AHPA), and bound phenolic acid (BPA) fractions. The total phenolic contents (TPCs) in both FPA and AHPA of the Persian walnuts were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than those of the heartnuts, but not in the BPA (P = 0.20). LC-ESI-MS(n)() studies revealed that except for the FPA fraction, the major polyphenolics in both heartnut and Persian walnut were ellagic acid and valoneic acid dilactone. Persian walnuts contained an average of 0.29 and 1.31 mg of ellagic acid/g nut in the 80% methanol extractable fractions FPA and AHPA, respectively. Heartnuts contained an average of 0.16 and 0.60 mg of ellagic acid/g nut in the respective fractions. Bound ellagic acid in the residue was 0.93 and 0.70 mg/g of nut in the Persian walnut and in the heartnut, respectively. Valoneic acid dilactone was tentatively identified and quantified as milligrams of ellagic acid equivalent per gram of nut. These components were found to contribute to the strong total antioxidant activities measured using ferric reducing antioxidant power and photochemiluminescence methods.

  Levels of the n-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid in addition to those of alpha linolenic acid are significantly raised in blood lipids by the intake of four walnuts a day in humans.:Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2007 Jul;17(6):457-61. Epub 2006 Sep 26.Marangoni F, Colombo C, Martiello A, Poli A, Paoletti R, Galli C.Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. franca.marangoni@unimi.it

 BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ingestion of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), with the richest source among dry fruits such as walnuts, is associated with cardiovascular prevention. The aim of this study was to selectively evaluate the effects of moderate walnut consumption on the levels of ALA and its metabolic derivatives in human blood. METHODS AND RESULTS: After a 2-week run-in period, 10 volunteers consumed 4 walnuts per day (in addition to their habitual diet) for 3 weeks. Fatty acid profiles, with special attention to levels of ALA and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), were assessed in blood drops collected from fingertips. The data indicate that the administration of a few walnuts a day for 3 weeks significantly increases blood levels, not only of ALA (from 0.23+/-0.07 SD to 0.47+/-0.13 SD), but also of its longer chain derivative eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA) (from 0.23+/-0.37 to 0.82+/-0.41) with levels remaining elevated over basal values after washout. CONCLUSION: The findings of this pilot study indicate that plant ALA in appropriate food items favourably affects the n-3 LC-PUFA status.


  Effects of Larix gmelini aqueous extracts on seed germination and seedling growth of Juglans mandshurica.:Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao. 2006 Jun;17(6):1145-7. Chinese.Yang L.College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China. ylx_0813@163.com

 In this study, Juglans mandshurica seeds were drenched in different concentrations (12.5, 25, 50 and 100 g x kg(-1)) aqueous extracts from adult Larix gmelini root, bark, branch and leaf for one week, and cultured in greenhouse in mid-April, 2004. The germination rate and germination index were calculated 18 days later, and the seedling's height and collar diameter were measured on August 1st. The results suggested that 25 g x kg(-1) root and 12.5 g x kg(-1) bark and branch aqueous extracts of L. gmelini could significantly increase the seed germination rate and germination index of J. mandshurica (P < 0.05), and 12.5 g x kg(-1) root and bark aqueous extracts could significantly increase the seedling height and collar diameter (P < 0.05). High concentrations of L. gmelini leaf aqueous extract could significantly promote the seed germination and seedling growth of J. mandshurica, but the promotion effect decreased gradually with decreasing concentration of leaf aqueous extract. The promotion of L. gmelini aqueous extracts to J. mandshurica seed germination and seedling growth might be related to the allelopathy between these two tree species.

  Validity and reliability of a quantitative food frequency questionnaire measuring n-3 fatty acid intakes in cardiac patients in the Midwest: a validation pilot study.:J Am Diet Assoc. 2006 Aug;106(8):1251-5.Ritter-Gooder PK, Lewis NM, Heidal KB, Eskridge KM.Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE 68583-0806, USA. pgooder@alltel.net

 The purpose of this pilot study was to test the validity and reliability of a quantitative n-3 fatty acid food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for later use with larger groups of individuals. A convenience sample of heart patients provided dietary data via three 24-hour food recalls and FFQs. Participants were women (n=17) and men (n=11), 43 to 77 years of age. The association of mean daily intake of n-3 fatty acids obtained using food recalls and the FFQ was assessed by Pearson correlation. The reliability of the FFQ was assessed using coefficient alpha. Correlation of n-3 fatty acid intake using the food recalls and the FFQ was r=0.42 (P<0.05). The coefficient alpha for the test-retest of the FFQ was .83. The top two foods, walnuts and flaxseed, contributed 58% of the n-3 fatty acid intake, and the third food, salmon, contributed 5%. This quantitative n-3 FFQ is a valid instrument for use in place of food recalls for estimating n-3 fatty acid intakes in heart patients and is a reliable instrument to estimate n-3 fatty acid intakes from plant, animal, and seafood sources. The FFQ should be tested in a larger population. Registered dietitians can use this FFQ to screen for intakes, educate patients on food sources, and measure change in intakes after nutrition intervention.

  Acute irritant contact dermatitis due to Juglans regia.:Contact Dermatitis. 2006 Jul;55(1):62-3.Neri I, Bianchi F, Giacomini F, Patrizi A.Department of Specialistic and Experimental Clinical Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. iria.neri@tin.it

 Juglone is the active ingredient of the green flesh of walnuts and is known to be a strong irritant. We report the first two paediatric cases of contact pigmentation and acute irritant contact dermatitis due to the juice of green walnut husks in two young nursery-school playmates.

  n-3 fatty acid dietary recommendations and food sources to achieve essentiality and cardiovascular benefits.:Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Jun;83(6 Suppl):1526S-1535S. Review.Gebauer SK, Psota TL, Harris WS, Kris-Etherton PM.Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.

 Dietary recommendations have been made for n-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to achieve nutrient adequacy and to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. These recommendations are based on a large body of evidence from epidemiologic and controlled clinical studies. The n-3 fatty acid recommendation to achieve nutritional adequacy, defined as the amount necessary to prevent deficiency symptoms, is 0.6-1.2% of energy for ALA; up to 10% of this can be provided by EPA or DHA. To achieve recommended ALA intakes, food sources including flaxseed and flaxseed oil, walnuts and walnut oil, and canola oil are recommended. The evidence base supports a dietary recommendation of approximately 500 mg/d of EPA and DHA for cardiovascular disease risk reduction. For treatment of existing cardiovascular disease, 1 g/d is recommended. These recommendations have been embraced by many health agencies worldwide. A dietary strategy for achieving the 500-mg/d recommendation is to consume 2 fish meals per week (preferably fatty fish). Foods enriched with EPA and DHA or fish oil supplements are a suitable alternate to achieve recommended intakes and may be necessary to achieve intakes of 1 g/d.

  Matrix metalloproteinase-9 in laminae of black walnut extract treated horses correlates with neutrophil abundance.:Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2006 Oct 15;113(3-4):267-76. Epub 2006 Jul 5.Loftus JP, Belknap JK, Black SJ.Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Paige Laboratory, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.

 We sought to determine whether a correlation exists between neutrophil infiltration and tissue matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) content in digital laminae collected during the prodromal and acute phases of laminitis in horses treated with an aqueous black walnut heartwood extract (BWE). Hoof laminar tissue was obtained at the onset of leukopenia and at the onset of clinical signs of lameness from BWE-treated horses and at equivalent times from control horses. Thin sections of laminae were screened for neutrophils by immunohistochemistry with an anti-CD13 monoclonal antibody and extracts of the same tissues were screened for SDS-renaturable and native MMP-9 activities by denaturing and non-denaturing gelatin zymography. Samples were also screened for MMP-2 and MMP-9 gene expression by RT-qPCR. Control laminae were devoid of both MMP-9 and neutrophils, whereas neutrophils and SDS-renaturable MMP-9 activity were detected in laminae from BWE-treated horses and were strongly correlated at the acute stage of the disease at which time laminar MMP-9 gene expression was significantly (15-fold) elevated. In contrast, BWE-treatment did not significantly elevate MMP-2 gene or protein expression in the laminae. Interestingly, MMP-9 that was present in extracts of laminae from BWE-treated horses at both the prodromal and acute stages of the disease was mainly in the zymogen form, suggesting that the accumulation of the MMP did not contribute to pathology during these stages. However, elevated presence of the MMP-9 zymogen in the tissue would predispose it to catastrophic damage should conditions arise that cleave the regulatory propeptide domain.


  Chemical composition of selected edible nut seeds.:J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Jun 28;54(13):4705-14.Venkatachalam M, Sathe SK.Department of Nutrition, Food & Exercise Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-1493, USA.

 Commercially important edible nut seeds were analyzed for chemical composition and moisture sorption. Moisture (1.47-9.51%), protein (7.50-21.56%), lipid (42.88-66.71%), ash (1.16-3.28%), total soluble sugars (0.55-3.96%), tannins (0.01-0.88%), and phytate (0.15-0.35%) contents varied considerably. Regardless of the seed type, lipids were mainly composed of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids (>75% of the total lipids). Fatty acid composition analysis indicated that oleic acid (C18:1) was the main constituent of monounsaturated lipids in all seed samples. With the exception of macadamia, linoleic acid (C18:2) was the major polyunsaturated fatty acid. In the case of walnuts, in addition to linoleic acid (59.79%) linolenic acid (C18:3) also significantly contributed toward the total polyunsaturated lipids. Amino acid composition analyses indicated lysine (Brazil nut, cashew nut, hazelnut, pine nut, and walnut), sulfur amino acids methionine and cysteine (almond), tryptophan (macadamia, pecan), and threonine (peanut) to be the first limiting amino acid as compared to human (2-5 year old) amino acid requirements. The amino acid composition of the seeds was characterized by the dominance of hydrophobic (range = 37.16-44.54%) and acidic (27.95-33.17%) amino acids followed by basic (16.16-21.17%) and hydrophilic (8.48-11.74%) amino acids. Trypsin inhibitory activity, hemagglutinating activity, and proteolytic activity were not detected in the nut seed samples analyzed. Sorption isotherms (Aw range = 0.08-0.97) indicated a narrow range for monolayer water content (11-29 mg/g of dry matter). No visible mold growth was evident on any of the samples stored at Aw < 0.53 and 25 degrees C for 6 months.

  Alpha-linolenic acid content of commonly available nuts in Hangzhou.:Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2006 Jan;76(1):18-21.Li D, Yao T, Siriamornpun S.Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. duoli@zju.edu.cn

 The total lipid content of eight species of nuts available in Hangzhou ranged from 49.5 g/100 g weight in Cannabis sativa to 75.4 g/100 g in walnut. The predominant content of lipid is triacylglycerol, ranging from 91.1% in Cannabis sativa to 98.4% in macadamia. There were two polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in all nuts analyzed; 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3. The content of 18:3n-3 ranging from 0.2% in almond to 15.2% in Cannabis sativa, 18:2n-6 ranged from 2.5% in macadamia to 61.6% in pine nut. The proportion of total PUFA in analyzed eight nut species ranging from 2.8% in macadamia to 71.7% in walnut (p < 0.001). Monounsaturated fatty acid composition ranged from 18.0% in Cannabis sativa to 82.6% in macadamia (p < 0.001). The proportion of saturated fatty acid ranged from 7.4% in filbert to 14.7% of total fatty acids in macadamia (p < 0.001). No C20 fatty acids were detected in any of the samples in the present study. The lipids content and fatty acid compositions in analyzed samples were varied between nut species. Cannabis sativa and walnut contained relatively high 18:3n-3, consumption of several these nuts each day can contribute to n-3 PUFA intake, especially for the vegetarian population.

  Physioecological characteristics of walnut under different soil water conditions.:Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao. 2006 Feb;17(2):171-6. Chinese.Fan J, Chen Y, Zhao P.College of Forestry, Northuest Sci-Tech University of Agriculture and Forestry, Yangling 712100, China. fjsh011@163.com

 The study with completely randomized design on Loess Plateau showed that soil water storage, water consumption, and water profit and loss had a positive correlation with the amount of irrigation. Managed with light, moderate and excessive pruning, soil water storage was increased by 0.2%, 0.5% and 0.9%, soil water consumption was reduced by 0.5%, 2.0% and 2.5%, while soil water profit and loss was increased by 150%, 190% and 210%, respectively. Under treatments with irrigation, covering with grass, mulching with plastic film, and pruning, soil water storage was increased by 4.4%, 1.2%, 1.6% and 0.5%, respectively. Irrigation, moderate pruning, covering with grass, and mulching with plastic film could increase leaf water potential and the angle between little leaf and stem, and excessive pruning could increase the chlorophyll content at most extent (0.27 mg x dm(-2)). The angle between little leaf and stem had a positive correlation with leaf water potential, which could be a reliable, direct and punctual index in evaluating the water condition of walnut and soil, and applied extensively in practice.

  Walnuts reduce aortic ET-1 mRNA levels in hamsters fed a high-fat, atherogenic diet.:J Nutr. 2006 Feb;136(2):428-32.Davis P, Valacchi G, Pagnin E, Shao Q, Gross HB, Calo L, Yokoyama W.Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA. padavis@ucdavis.edu

 Walnut consumption is associated with reduced coronary vascular disease (CVD) risk; however, the mechanisms responsible remain incompletely understood. Recent clinical studies suggested that these mechanisms involve non-plasma lipid-related effects on endothelial function. Male Golden Syrian hamsters (12 groups, n=10-15) were fed for 26 wk atherosclerotic, high-fat, hyperlipidemic diets with increasing concentrations of whole walnuts (61-150 g/kg diet), or alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T, 8.1-81 mg/kg diet) and single diets with either walnut oil (32 g/kg diet) or pure gamma-tocopherol (gamma-T; 81 mg/kg diet) added. Aortic endothelin 1 (ET-1), an important endothelial regulator, was assayed as mRNA. Aortic cholesterol ester (CE) concentration along with other vascular stress markers (Cu/Zn and Mn superoxide dismutase, biliverdin reductase) and plasma lipid concentrations were determined. Hyperlipidemia (plasma LDL cholesterol approximately 6 times normal) occurred in all groups. Aortic CE concentration, a measure of atherosclerotic plaque, was highest in the lowest alpha-T only group and declined significantly with increasing alpha-T. The aortic CE of all walnut groups was decreased significantly relative to the lowest alpha-T only group but showed no dose response. The diets did not produce changes in the other vascular stress markers, whereas aortic ET-1 mRNA levels declined dramatically with increasing dietary walnuts (to a 75% reduction in the highest walnut content group compared with the lowest alpha-T group) but were unaltered in the alpha-T groups or gamma-T group. The study results are consistent with those of human walnut feeding studies and suggest that the mechanisms underlying those results are mediated in part by ET-1-dependent mechanisms. The contrasting results between the alpha-tocopherol or gamma-tocopherol diets and the walnut diets also make it unlikely that the non-plasma lipid-related CVD effects of walnuts are due to their alpha-tocopherol or gamma-tocopherol content. Finally, the results indicate that the walnut fat compartment is a likely location for the components responsible for the reduced aortic CE concentration.

  Black walnut extract-induced laminitis in horses is associated with heterogeneous dysfunction of the laminar microvasculature.:Equine Vet J. 2005 Nov;37(6):546-51.Peroni JF, Harrison WE, Moore JN, Graves JE, Lewis SJ, Krunkosky TM, Robertson TP.Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602-7389, USA.

 REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Equine laminitis purportedly involves haemodynamic dysfunction at the level of the laminar vasculature. However, to date, no studies have been performed characterising the function of laminar arteries and veins during the prodromal stages of equine laminitis. HYPOTHESIS: That the prodromal stages of laminitis are associated with contractile dysfunction of the equine laminar vasculature. OBJECTIVE: To assess contractile function of laminar arteries and veins to phenylephrine (PE) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). METHODS: Horses were administered black walnut heartwood extract (BWHE) or water (control horses) via nasogastric intubation. After euthanasia, laminar vessels (100-800 microm internal diameter) were isolated and mounted on small vessel myographs to assess contractile function. RESULTS: Contractile responses to PE or 5-HT were identical in laminar arteries isolated from either control horses or those administered BWHE. In contrast, responses to PE or 5-HT were significantly reduced in laminar veins isolated from BWHE-administered horses when compared with laminar veins isolated from control horses. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: These results are consistent with the prodromal stages of laminitis being associated with selective dysfunction of laminar veins. Further studies are required to discern the precise nature of this dysfunction and its potential relevance to the pathogenesis of acute laminitis in the horse and possible therapeutic targets for treatment.


  Walnut consumption in hyperlipidemic patients.:Angiology. 2005 Sep-Oct;56(5):581-3.Zibaeenezhad MJ, Shamsnia SJ, Khorasani M.Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Zibaeem2@sums.ac.ir

 Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is described as an anticancer, tonic, blood purifier, and detoxifier agent. It is said that nuts have favorable fatty acids and nutrients. This study was performed to determine the lipid-lowering properties of walnut in a population in Shiraz, Southern Iran. In a randomized case-control study, 52 volunteers were divided into 2 groups: Group A consumed walnuts, 20 grams per day for 8 weeks and the control group (group B) consumed no walnuts. Triglycerides, total high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were checked for each subject prior to, after 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks after the beginning of the study. In group A, the mean plasma TG level dropped by 17.1% from the baseline and HDL cholesterol also increased significantly by 9%. It was shown that frequent consumption of nuts in the daily diet was associated with a potentially decreased risk of coronary artery disease by decreasing the level of triglyceride and increasing the level of HDL.

  A systematic review of the effects of nuts on blood lipid profiles in humans.:J Nutr. 2005 Sep;135(9):2082-9. Review.Mukuddem-Petersen J, Oosthuizen W, Jerling JC.School of Physiology, Nutrition and Consumer Science, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Potchefstroom, South Africa.

 The inverse association of nut consumption and risk markers of coronary heart disease (lipids) has sparked the interest of the scientific and lay community. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to investigate the effects of nuts on the lipid profile. Medline and Web of Science databases were searched from the start of the database to August 2004 and supplemented by cross-checking reference lists of relevant publications. Human intervention trials with the objective of investigating independent effects of nuts on lipid concentrations were included. From the literature search, 415 publications were screened and 23 studies were included. These papers received a rating based upon the methodology as it appeared in the publication. No formal statistical analysis was performed due to the large differences in study designs of the dietary intervention trials. The results of 3 almond (50-100 g/d), 2 peanut (35-68 g/d), 1 pecan nut (72 g/d), and 4 walnut (40-84 g/d) studies showed decreases in total cholesterol between 2 and 16% and LDL cholesterol between 2 and 19% compared with subjects consuming control diets. Consumption of macadamia nuts (50-100 g/d) produced less convincing results. In conclusion, consumption of approximately 50-100 g (approximately 1.5-3.5 servings) of nuts > or = 5 times/wk as part of a heart-healthy diet with total fat content (high in mono- and/or polyunsaturated fatty acids) of approximately 35% of energy may significantly decrease total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in normo- and hyperlipidemic individuals.

  Quantitation of triacylglycerols in plant oils using HPLC with APCI-MS, evaporative light-scattering, and UV detection.:J Sep Sci. 2005 Aug;28(12):1315-33.Holcapek M, L¨ªsa M, Jandera P, Kab¨¢tov¨¢ N.Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Pardubice, Czech Republic. Michal.Holcapek@upce.cz

 The main constituents of plant oils are complex mixtures of TGs differing in acyl chain lengths, number and positions of double bonds, and regioisomerism. A non-aqueous reversed-phase HPLC method with acetonitrile-2-propanol gradient and 30 + 15 cm NovaPak C18 columns makes possible an unambiguous identification of the highest number of TGs ever reported for these oils, based on positive-ion APCI mass spectra. A new approach to TG quantitation is based on the use of response factors with three typical detection techniques for that purpose (APCI-MS, evaporative light-scattering detection, and UV at 205 nm). Response factors of 23 single-acid TGs (saturated TGs from C7 to C22, 7 unsaturated TGs), 4 mixed-acid TGs, diolein and monoolein are calculated from their calibration curves and related to OOO. Due to differences between saturated and unsaturated acyl chains, the use of response factors significantly improves the quantitation of TGs. 133 TGs containing 22 fatty acids with 8-25 carbon atoms and 0-3 double bonds are identified and quantified in 9 plant oils (walnut, hazelnut, cashew nut, almond, poppy seed, yellow melon, mango, fig, date) using HPLC/APCI-MS with a response factor approach. Average parameters and relative fatty acid concentrations are calculated with both HPLC/APCI-MS and GC/ FID.

  (7Z,9E)-2-methyl-7,9-octadecadiene: a sex pheromone component of Lymantria bantaizana.:J Chem Ecol. 2005 Apr;31(4):879-91.Gries R, Khaskin G, Gotoh T, Schaefer PW, Gries G. Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada. gries@sfu.ca

 Our objective was to identify the sex pheromone of Lymantria bantaizana (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) whose larvae feed exclusively on walnut, Juglans spp., in China, and Japan. Coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) analyses of pheromone gland extracts revealed a single EAD-active component. Retention index calculations of this compound on four GC columns suggested that it was a methyl-branched octadecadiene with conjugated double bonds. In GC-EAD analyses of 2-methyloctadecenes, (Z)-2-methyl-7-octadecene and (E)-2-methyl-7-octadecene elicited the strongest antennal responses, suggesting that the double bond positions were at C7 and C9. In comparative GC-EAD analyses of pheromone gland extract and stereoselectively synthesized isomers (E,E; E,Z; Z,E; Z,Z) of 2-methyl-7,9-octadecadiene, the (E,Z)- and (Z,E)-isomer had retention times identical to that of the candidate pheromone, but only the latter isomer elicited strong EAD activity. Results of field experiments in Japan substantiated that (7Z,9E)-2-methyl-7,9-octadecadiene is the L. bantaizana sex pheromone, a compound previously unknown in the Lepidoptera. Detection surveys in North America for exotic Eurasian forest defoliators could include traps baited with the L. bantaizana pheromone.

  Effect of increasing the omega-3 fatty acid in the diets of animals on the animal products consumed by humans.:Med Sci (Paris). 2005 Aug-Sep;21(8-9):773-9. Review. French.Bourre JM.INSERM U.705, CNRS UMR 7157, 200 rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75745 Paris Cedex 10, France. jean-marie.bourre@fwidal.inserm.fr

 As shown by huge amount of assays in human as well as in animal models, w-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids play important role in the development and maintenance of different organs, primarily the brain, and could be useful in the prevention of different pathologies, mainly the cardiovascular diseases, and, as proposed recently, some psychiatric, dermatological or rheumatological disorders. For ALA, the major and cheapest source for human is rapeseed oil (canola oil), and walnut "noix de Grenoble" oil). The actual goal is first to identify which foods are naturally rich in w-3 fatty acids, and, second, to determine the true impact of the formulations (enriched in w-3 fatty acids) in chows used on farms and breeding centres on the nutritional value of the products and thus their effect on the health of consumers, thanks to quantities of either ALA, or EPA or DHA or both. This concern fish (in proportion of their lipid content, mainly mackerel, salmon, sardine and herring), eggs (wildly naturally rich in w-3 fatty acids, both ALA and DHA, or from laying hen fed ALA from linseed or rapeseed), meat from birds, mammals (from the highest concentration : rabbit, then pig and monogastrics, then polygastrics such as beef, mutton and goat) \; in butter, milk, dairy products, cheese (all naturally poor in w-3 fatty acids)... Indeed, the nature of fatty acids of reserve triglycerides (found in more or less large amounts depending on the anatomical localisation, that is to say the butcher's cuts) can vary mainly as a function of the food received by the animal. EPA and DHA are mainly present in animal's products. The impact (qualitative and quantitative) of alterations in the lipid composition of animal foods on the nutritional value of derived products (in terms of EPA and DHA content) eaten by humans are more important in single-stomach animals than multi-stomach animals (due to their hydrogenating intestinal bacteria). The intestinal physiology of birds results in the relatively good preservation of their dietary w-3 fatty acids. The enrichment in eggs is proportional to the amount of w-3 fatty acids in the hen's diet and can be extremely important. Including ALA in fish feeds is effective only if they are, like carp, vegetarians, as they have the enzymes required to transform ALA into EPA and DHA \; in contrast, it is probably less effective for carnivorous fish (75 % of the fish used for human), which have little of these enzymes : their feed must contain marine animals, mainly fish or fish oil. Analysis of the published results shows that, under the best conditions, feeding animals with extracts of linseed and rapeseed grains, for example, increases the level of ALA acid by 20 to 40-fold in eggs (according to the low or high level of ALA in commercial eggs), 10-fold in chicken, 6-fold in pork and less than 2-fold in beef. By feeding animals with fish extracts or algae (oils), the level of DHA is increased by 20-fold in fish, 7-fold in chicken, 3 to 6-fold in eggs, less than 2-fold in beef. In practise, the effect is considerable for fish and egg, interesting for poultry and rabbit, extremely low for beef, mutton and sheep. The effect on the price paid by the consumer is very low compared to the considerable gain in nutritional value.


  Studies on the constituents of Juglans species. I. Structural determination of (4S)- and (4R)-4-hydroxy-alpha-tetralone derivatives from the fruit of Juglans mandshurica.MAXIM. var. sieboldiana MAKINO:Chem Pharm Bull. 2005 Aug;53(8):934-7.

 Four enantiomerically pure new alpha-tetralones, (4S)- and (4R)-5-hydroxy-4-methoxy-alpha-tetralones and (4S)- and (4R)-5,8-dihydroxy-4-methoxy-alpha-tetralones were isolated, together with five known ones, (4S)- and (4R)-4,8-dihydroxy-alpha-tetralones, (4S)-4,8-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-alpha-tetralone and (4S)- and (4R)-4-hydroxy-alpha-tetralones, from the fruit of Juglans mandshurica MAXIM. var. sieboldiana MAKINO. Their structures were established on the basis of spectral analysis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first isolation of the (4R)-4-hydroxy-alpha-tetralone derivative from Juglans species.

  Phenolic acids, syringaldehyde, and juglone in fruits of different cultivars of Juglans regia L.:J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Aug 10;53(16):6390-6.Colaric M, Veberic R, Solar A, Hudina M, Stampar F.Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia. mateja.colaric@bf.uni-lj.si

 Phenolic acids (chlorogenic, caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, sinapic, ellagic, and syringic acid) as well as syringaldehyde and juglone were identified in ripe fruits of 10 walnut cultivars: Adams, Cisco, Chandler, Franquette, Lara, Fernor, Fernette, Alsoszentivani 117 (A-117), Rasna, and Elit. Analyses were done using a high-performance liquid chromatograph equipped with a diode array detector. Significant differences in the contents of identified phenolics were observed among cultivars. Phenolics were determined separately in the kernel and in the thin skin of the walnut, termed the pellicle. Not only in the kernel but also in the pellicle did syringic acid, juglone, and ellagic acid predominate (average values of 33.83, 11.75, and 5.90 mg/100 g of kernel; and 1003.24, 317.90, and 128.98 mg/100 g of pellicle, respectively), and the contents of ferulic and sinapic acid (average values of 0.06 and 0.05 mg/100 g of kernel and 2.93 and 2.17 mg/100 g of pellicle, respectively) were the lowest in all cultivars. The highest differences in the sum of all identified phenolics were observed between Rasna and Fernette fruits; in Rasna there were >2-fold higher contents of identified phenolics in both kernel and pellicle. It was found that the walnut pellicle is the most important source of walnut phenolics. The ratio between the contents in pellicle and kernel varied by at least 14.8-fold for caffeic acid (cv. Adams) and by up to 752.0-fold for p-coumaric acid (cv. Elit).

  Study on the effects of cool and hot ethanol extracts from qinglongyi on the biochemical function of tumor membrane in H22 mice:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2005 Apr;30(7):531-4. Chinese.Ji YB, Ji CF, Ma HT.Postdoctal Research of the Institute of Materia Medica, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, China. JYB@hrbcu.edu.cn

 OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of cool and hot ethanol extracts from Qinglongyi on tumor membrane protein content, lipid fluidity, and membrane close capability in H22 mice. METHOD: The membrane protein content, by, lipid fluidity and membrane close capability were measured by means of SDS-PAGE, skinitzky assay and Zamudio method respectively. RESULT: The cool and hot ethanol extracts from Qinglongyi decreased the content of tumor membrane protein, the lipid fluidity and membrane close capability. CONCLUSION: The cool and hot ethanol extracts from Qinglongyi can change the biochemical substance and biochemical function to cause disaggregation and death of the tumor cell, which may be one of the mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor of Qinglongyi.

  Structured dietary advice incorporating walnuts achieves optimal fat and energy balance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.:J Am Diet Assoc. 2005 Jul;105(7):1087-96. Gillen LJ, Tapsell LC, Patch CS, Owen A, Batterham M.Smart Foods Centre, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia. ljg01@uow.edu.au

 OBJECTIVE: A cardioprotective dietary fat profile is recommended for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The clinical feasibility of advice strategies targeting specific fatty acid intakes and the extent to which they can be achieved by free-living populations needs to be tested. Walnuts, with high n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content, may help optimize fatty acid intakes, but regular consumption might increase total fat and energy intakes. This study examined whether advice that refers to a total dietary pattern inclusive of walnuts would result in low-fat energy-controlled diets with optimal dietary fat proportions for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A parallel-design, controlled trial was completed by 55 free-living men and women with established type 2 diabetes mellitus. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: low-fat (general advice), modified low-fat (total diet advice using exchange lists to differentiate PUFA-rich foods), walnut-specific (modified low fat including 30 g walnuts/day). Dietary intakes and clinical outcomes were measured at baseline, and at 3 and 6 months. Dietary goals were: less than 10% of energy from saturated fat, 7% to 10% of energy from PUFA, adequate n-3 PUFA (>or=2.22 g alpha-linolenic acid, >or=0.65 g eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]+docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) and n-6 to n-3 ratio less than 10. The proportion of subjects achieving dietary goals and major food sources of fat were determined. RESULTS: At baseline, dietary intakes were not significantly different between groups. No group and few individuals (10%) were consuming adequate PUFA, with meat the main source of dietary fat (22% total dietary fat). At 3 and 6 months, energy and macronutrient intakes were similar among groups. The walnut group, however, was the only group to achieve all fatty acid intake targets (P <.01), and had the greatest proportion of subjects achieving targets ( P <.05). Walnuts were the main source of dietary fat (31%) and n-3 PUFA (50%), while 350 g oily fish/day provided a further 17% n-3 PUFA consumed by this group. CONCLUSIONS: Specific advice for the regular inclusion of walnuts in the context of the total diet helps achieve optimal fat intake proportions without adverse effects on total fat or energy intakes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

  Melatonin in walnuts: influence on levels of melatonin and total antioxidant capacity of blood.:Nutrition. 2005 Sep;21(9):920-4.Reiter RJ, Manchester LC, Tan DX.Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA. reiter@uthscsa.edu

 OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether melatonin is present in walnuts (Juglans regia L.) and, if so, tested whether eating walnuts influences melatonin levels and the total antioxidant status of the blood. METHODS: Melatonin was extracted from walnuts and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. After feeding walnuts to rats, serum melatonin concentrations were measured using a radioimmunoassay and the "total antioxidant power" of the serum was estimated by using the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and ferric-reducing ability of serum methods. RESULTS: Mean +/- standard error melatonin concentrations were 3.5 +/- 1.0 ng/g of walnut. After food restriction of rats and then feeding them regular chow or walnuts, blood melatonin concentrations in the animals that ate walnuts were increased over those in the rats fed the control diet. Increases in blood melatonin were also accompanied by increases in trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and ferric-reducing ability of serum values. CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin is present in walnuts and, when eaten, increase blood melatonin concentrations. The increase in blood melatonin levels correlates with an increased antioxidative capacity of this fluid as reflected by augmentation of trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and ferric-reducing ability of serum values.


  Walnut extract inhibits the fibrillization of amyloid beta-protein, and also defibrillizes its preformed fibrils.:Curr Alzheimer Res. 2004 Aug;1(3):183-8.Chauhan N, Wang KC, Wegiel J, Malik MN.NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA. NChauhan08@aol.com

 Fibrillar amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) is the principal component of amyloid plaques in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. We have studied the effect of walnut extract on Abeta fibrillization by Thioflavin T fluorescence spectroscopy and electron microscopy. The walnut extract not only inhibited Abeta fibril formation in a concentration and time- dependent manner but it was also able to defibrillize Abeta preformed fibrils. Over 90% inhibition of Abeta fibrillization was observed with 5 microl of methanolic extract of walnut (MEOW) both after 2 and 3 days of incubation. The maximum defibrillization (91.6%) was observed when preformed Abeta fibrils were incubated with 10 microl of MEOW for 2 days. These results suggest that walnuts may reduce the risk or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease by maintaining Abeta in the soluble form. Further studies showed that anti-amyloidogenic compound in walnut is an organic compound of molecular weight less than 10 kDa, which is neither a lipid nor a protein. Chloroform extract of walnut had no effect on Abeta fibrillization while MEOW and its 10 kDa filtrate inhibited Abeta fibrillization equally. It is proposed that polyphenolic compounds (such as flavonoids) present in walnuts may be responsible for its anti-amyloidogenic activity.

  The antimicrobial activities of Psidium guajava and Juglans regia leaf extracts to acne-developing organisms.:Am J Chin Med. 2005;33(2):197-204.Qadan F, Thewaini AJ, Ali DA, Afifi R, Elkhawad A, Matalka KZ.Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Technology, The University of Petra PO. Box 961343, Amman, Jordan. f_qadan@yahoo.com

 This study aims to present the in vitro inhibitory effect of Psidium guajava and Juglans regia leaf extracts on the main developer of acne lesions, Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), and other organisms that are isolated from acne lesions. Thirty-eight subjects (males and females) who had various types of acne were enrolled in the study. The contents of the acne lesions were cultured and the frequency of P. acnes (alone and with Staphylococci spp.) was 47%, whereas the frequencies for Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis were 13% and 24%, respectively. The antimicrobial activities of Psidium guajava and Juglans regia leaf extracts, determined by disk diffusion method (zone of inhibition), were compared to tea tree oil (TTO), doxycycline and clindamycin antibiotics. The zones of inhibition due to the Psidium guajava and Juglans regia leaf extracts ranged from 15.8-17.6 mm against P. acnes, 11.3-15.7 mm against S. aureus and 12.9-15.5 mm against S. epidermidis, respectively. These zones of inhibition were significantly higher than those of TTO and equivalent in case of Staphylococci spp., but less in case of P. acnes, to those obtained from doxycycline or clindamycin. It can be concluded that Psidium guajava and Juglans regia leaf extracts may be beneficial in treating acne especially when they are known to have anti-inflammatory activities.

  Free radical scavenging and hepatoprotective constituents from the leaves of Juglans sinensis.:Arch Pharm Res. 2005 May;28(5):529-33.An RB, Kim HC, Tian YH, Kim YC.College of Pharmacy and Phytofermentation Research Center, Wonkwang University, Iksan 570-749, Korea.

 In the course of searching for hepatoprotective agents from natural products, six compounds were isolated from the MeOH extract of the leaves of Juglans sinensis, as guided by their DPPH free radical scavenging activity. The structures were determined as juglanoside B (1), quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranoside (avicularin, 2), quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside (guaijaverin, 3), quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (quercitrin, 4), (+)-catechin (5) and quercetin 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (hyperin, 6). Compounds 2-6 showed significant DPPH free radical scavenging effects. An evaluation for the hepatoprotective activity of the isolated compounds on drug-induced cytotoxicity was conducted, and compounds 1, 2, and 5 showed protective effects against nitrofurantoin-induced cytotoxicity, and compound 5 also exhibited a moderate protective effect on amiodarone-induced cytotoxicity in Hep G2 cells.

  Vitamin E composition of walnuts (Juglans regia L.): a 3-year comparative study of different cultivars.:J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Jun 29;53(13):5467-72.Amaral JS, Alves MR, Seabra RM, Oliveira BP.REQUIMTE, Servi?os de Farmacognosia and Bromatologia, Faculdade de Farm¨¢cia, Universidade do Porto, Portugal.

 The tocopherol and tocotrienol composition of walnuts (Juglans regia L.) was determined for nine cultivars (cvs. Arco, Franquette, Hartley, Lara, Marbot, Mayette, Mellanaise, Parisienne, and Rego). Walnuts were harvested over three consecutive years from two different geographical origins (Bragan?a and Coimbra, Portugal), for a total of 26 samples. The methodology employed was a normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a series arrangement of a diode array detector followed by a fluorescence detector, allowing the simultaneous analysis of all tocopherols and tocotrienols. The analyses showed that all samples presented a similar qualitative profile composed of five compounds: alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, delta-tocopherol, and gamma-tocotrienol. gamma-Tocopherol was the major compound in all samples, ranging from 172.6 to 262.0 mg/kg, followed by alpha- and delta-tocopherols, ranging from 8.7 to 16.6 mg/kg and from 8.2 to 16.9 mg/kg, respectively. Multivariate analysis of the data obtained showed the existence of significant differences in composition among cultivars. These differences were also significant when cultivars were grouped by year of production, showing that besides genetic factors, the vitamin E composition was influenced by environmental factors.

  Study of the main constituents of some authentic walnut oils.:J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Jun 15;53(12):4853-60.Crews C, Hough P, Godward J, Brereton P, Lees M, Guiet S, inkelmann W.Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LZ, United Kingdom. c.crews@csl.gov.uk

 This paper describes the composition of walnut oils obtained from nuts collected from seven countries that are major suppliers of walnut oil. Oils were extracted from the nuts using small-scale industry pressing equipment and analyzed using standard methods for fatty acids, fatty acids in the triacylglycerol 2-position, tocopherols and tocotrienols, triacylglycerols, sterols, steradienes, and iodine value. Values for the composition of the sterols, triacylglycerols, fatty acids, iodine value, and tocopherol composition were generally in good agreement with the results of previous similar surveys. Tocotrienols were not detected in any sample. Steradienes (stigmastadiene, campestadiene, stigmastatriene, and campestatriene) were not detected in any oil.


  Thermostabilities of plant phenol oxidase and peroxidase, determining the technology of their use in food industry.:Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol. 2005 Mar-Apr;41(2):165-70. Russian. Mchedlishvili NI, Omiadze NT, Gulua LK, Sadunishvili TA, Zamtaradze RK, Abutidze MO, Bendeliani EG, Kvesitadze GI.

 Stabilities of phenol oxidase and peroxidase from tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.) clone Kolkhida leaves, apple (Malus domestica L.) cultivar Kekhura fruits, walnut (Juglans regia L.) green pericarp, and horseradish (Armoracia lapathifolia Gilib) roots were studied using different storage temperature modes and storage duration. It was demonstrated that both enzymes retained residual activities (approximately 10%) upon 20-min incubation at 80 degrees C. Phenol oxidases from tea, walnut, and, especially, apple, as well as tea peroxidase were stable during storage. A technology for treatment of plant oxidases was proposed, based on the use of a natural inhibitor phenol oxidase and peroxidase, isolated from tea leaves, which solving the problem of residual activities of these enzymes, arising during pasteurization and storage of beverages and juices. It was demonstrated that browning of apple juice during pasteurization and beer turbidity during storage could be efficiently prevented using the natural inhibitor of these enzymes.

  Omega-3 fatty acids in mood disorders.:Seishin Shinkeigaku Zasshi. 2005;107(2):118-26.Ohara K.Department of Psychiatry, Shinshiro Municipal Hospital.

 The etiology and treatment of mood disorders has not yet been elucidated. Omega (omega)-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids, which cannot be synthesized in the human body. Eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are representative omega-3 fatty acids which are found in fish (eg., mackerel, herring, Chinook salmon) and vegetables (eg., flax, walnut, canola). The peripheral level of EPA and DHA decrease in patients with major depression, and EPA is useful for its treatment. Further research is required on omega-3 fatty acids in patients with mood disorders.

  Investigation of the effect of black walnut extract on in vitro ion transport and structure of equine colonic mucosa.:Am J Vet Res. 2005 Mar;66(3):443-9.McConnico RS, Stokes AM, Eades SC, Moore RM.Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.

 OBJECTIVE: To examine the secretory response (in the presence and absence of prostaglandin inhibition) in vitro and structural alterations of colonic mucosa in horses after intragastric administration of black walnut extract (BWE). ANIMALS: 14 adult horses. PROCEDURE: Seven horses were administered BWE intragastrically and monitored for 11 hours. Tissue samples were obtained from the right ventral, left ventral, and right dorsal colons (RVC, LVC, and RDC, respectively) of the 7 BWE-treated and 7 control horses. Tissue samples were examined via light microscopy, and the extent of hemorrhage, edema, and granulocytic cellular infiltration (neutrophils and eosinophils) was graded. Colonic mucosal segments were incubated with or without flunixin meglumine (FLM) for 240 minutes; spontaneous electrical potential difference and short-circuit current (Isc) were recorded and used to calculate mucosal resistance. RESULTS: Colonic tissues from BWE-treated horses (with or without FLM exposure) had an overall greater Isc during the 240-minute incubation period, compared with tissues from control horses. The resistance pattern in RVC, LVC, and RDC samples (with or without FLM exposure) from BWE-treated horses was decreased overall, compared with control tissues (with or without FLM exposure). Histologically, colonic mucosal tissues from BWE-treated horses had more severe inflammation (involving primarily eosinophils), edema, and hemorrhage, compared with tissue from control horses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In horses, BWE administration appears to cause an inflammatory response in colonic mucosal epithelium that results in mucosal barrier compromise as indicated by decreased mucosal resistance with presumed concomitant electrogenic chloride secretory response, which is not associated with prostaglandin mediation.

  Dietary omega-3 Fatty acids and psychiatry: mood, behaviour, stress, depression, dementia and aging.:J Nutr Health Aging. 2005;9(1):31-8. Review.Bourre JM.French Academy of Medicine, INSERM department of Neuro-pharmaco-nutrition, H?pital Fernand Widal, 75475 Paris cedex 10. jean-marie.bourre@fwidal.inserm.fr

 In view of the high omega-3 poly unsaturated fatty acid content of the brain, it is evident that these fats are involved in brain biochemistry, physiology and functioning; and thus in some neuropsychiatric diseases and in the cognitive decline of ageing. Though omega-3 fatty acids (from fatty fish in the human diet) appear effective in the prevention of stress, their role as regulator of mood and of libido is a matter for discussion pending experimental proof in animal and human models. Dietary omega-3 fatty acids play a role in the prevention of some disorders including depression, as well as in dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Their direct role in major depression, bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disease) and schizophrenia is not yet established. Their deficiency can prevent the renewal of membranes, and thus accelerate cerebral ageing; none the less, the respective roles of the vascular component on one hand (where the omega-3's are active) and the cerebral parenchyma itself on the other, have not yet been clearly resolved. The role of omega-3 in certain diseases such as dyslexia and autism is suggested. In fact, omega-3 fatty acids participated in the first coherent experimental demonstration of the effect of dietary substances (nutrients) on the structure and function of the brain. Experiments were first of all carried out one x-vivo cultured brain cells (1), then on in vivo brain cells(2), finally on physiochemical, biochemical, physiological, neurosensory, and behavioural parameters (3). These findings indicated that the nature of poly unsaturated fatty acids(in particular omega-3) present in formula milks for infants (both premature and term) determines the visual, cerebral,and intellectual abilities, as described in a recent review (4). Indeed,the insufficient dietary supply of omega-3 fatty acids in today's French and occidental diet raises the problem of how to correct dietary habits so that the consumer will select foods that are genuinely rich in omega-3/ the omega-3 family ; mainly rapeseed, (canola) and walnut oils on one hand and fatty fish on the other.

  Omega-3 fatty acids in psychiatry.:Med Sci (Paris). 2005 Feb;21(2):216-21. Review. French.Bourre JM.Laboratoire de Neuro-pharmacologie-nutrition, Inserm, H?pital Fernand-Widal, 200, rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75475 Paris Cedex 10, France. jean-marie.bourre@fwidal.inserm.fr

 The brain is one of the organs with the highest level of lipids (fats). Brain lipids, formed of fatty acids, participate in the structure of membranes, for instance 50 % fatty acids are polyunsaturated in the gray matter, 1/3 are of the omega-3 family, and are thus of dietary origin. The omega-3 fatty acids (mainly alpha-linolenic acid, ALA) participated in one of the first experimental demonstration of the effect of dietary substances (nutrients) on the structure and function of the brain. Experiments were first of all carried out on ex vivo cultured brain cells, then on in vivo brain cells (neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) from animals fed ALA deficient diet, finally on physicochemical (membrane fluidity), biochemical, physiological, neurosensory (vision an auditory responses), and behavioural or learning parameters. These findings indicated that the nature of polyunsaturated fatty acids (in particular omega-3) present in formula milks for human infants determines to a certain extend the visual, neurological, and intellectual abilities. Thus, in view of these results and of the high polyunsaturated fatty acid content of the brain, it is normal to consider that they could be involved in psychiatric diseases and in the cognitive decline of ageing. Omega-3 fatty acids appear effective in the prevention of stress, however their role as regulator of mood is a matter for discussion. Indeed, they play a role in the prevention of some disorders including depression (especially post partum), as well as in dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Their role in major depression and bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disease), only poorly documented, is not clearly demonstrated. The intervention of omega-3 in dyslexia, autism, and schizophrenia has been suggested, but it does not necessarily infer a nutritional problems. The respective importance of the vascular system (where the omega-3 are actually active) and the cerebral parenchyma itself, remain to be resolved. However, the insufficient supply of omega-3 fatty acids in today diet in occidental (less than 50 % of the recommended dietary intakes values for ALA) raises the problem of how to correct inadequate dietary habits, by prescribing mainly rapeseed (canola) and walnut oils on the one hand, fatty fish (wild, or farmed, but the nature of fatty acids present in fish flesh is the direct consequence of the nature of fats with which they have been fed), and eggs from laying hens fed omega-3 fatty acids.


  Metabolism of antioxidant and chemopreventive ellagitannins from strawberries, raspberries, walnuts, and oak-aged wine in humans: identification of biomarkers and individual variability. :J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Jan 26;53(2):227-35.Cerd¨¢ B, Tom¨¢s-Barber¨¢n FA, Esp¨ªn JC.Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, P.O. Box 164, 30100 Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.

 Ellagitannins (ETs) are dietary polyphenols, containing ellagic acid (EA) subunits, with antioxidant and cancer chemopreventive activities that might contribute to health benefits in humans. However, little is known about their metabolic fate. We investigate here the metabolism of different dietary ETs and EA derivatives in humans. Forty healthy volunteers were distributed in four groups. Each group consumed, in a single dose, a different ET-containing foodstuff, i.e., strawberries (250 g), red raspberries (225 g), walnuts (35 g), and oak-aged red wine (300 mL). After the intake, five urine fractions (F) were collected at 8 (F1), 16 (F2), 32 (F3), 40 (F4), and 56 (F5) h. Neither ETs nor EA were detected in urine after LC-MS/MS analysis. However, the microbial metabolite 3,8-dihydroxy-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-one (urolithin B) conjugated with glucuronic acid was detected along the fractions F3-F5 in all of the subjects, independently of the consumed foodstuff. The mean percentage of metabolite excretion ranged from 2.8 (strawberries) to 16.6% (walnuts) regarding the ingested ETs. Considerable interindividual differences were noted, identifying "high and low metabolite excreters" in each group, which supported the involvement of the colonic microflora in ET metabolism. These results indicate that urolithin B (a previously described antiangiogenic and hyaluronidase inhibitor compound) is a biomarker of human exposure to dietary ETs and may be useful in intervention studies with ET-containing products. The antioxidant and anticarcinogenic effects of dietary ETs and EA should be considered in the gastrointestinal tract whereas the study of potential systemic activities should be focused on the bioavailable urolithin B derivatives.

  Effect of the walnut polyphenol fraction on oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mice.:Biofactors. 2004;21(1-4):251-3.

 We examined the in vivo antioxidative effect of a polyphenol-rich walnut extract on oxidative stress in mice with type 2 diabetes. C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice were used as an accelerated oxidative animal model. The oral administration of the walnut polyphenol fraction at 200 mg/kg body weight for 4 weeks caused a significant decrease in the level of urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosin, which is an in vivo marker of oxidative stress. These results imply that walnut polyphenols have both in vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects.

  Triacylglycerol composition of walnut (Juglans regia L.) cultivars: characterization by HPLC-ELSD and chemometrics.:J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Dec 29;52(26):7964-9.Amaral JS, Cunha SC, Alves MR, Pereira JA, Seabra RM, Oliveira BP.REQUIMTE, Servi?os de Farmacognosia and Bromatologia, Faculdade de Farm¨¢cia, Universidade do Porto, R. An¨ªbal Cunha 164, 4050-047 Porto, Portugal. jamaral@ipb.pt

 A total of 26 walnut (Juglans regia L.) samples from 9 cultivars (Arco, Franquette, Hartley, Lara, Marbot, Mayette, Mellanaise, Parisienne, and Rego) harvested in the 2001, 2002, and 2003 crop years and grown in two geographical origins (Braganca and Coimbra, Portugal) were evaluated with regard to their triacylglycerol composition. The methodology employed was reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to an evaporative light-scattering detector (RP-HPLC-ELSD) after extraction of the lipidic fraction of the nuts. Nine compounds were separated, identified, and quantified. All samples presented an identical qualitative profile composed by LLnLn, LLLn, LLL, OLLn, OLL, PLL, OOL, and PLO (P = palmitoyl; O = oleoyl; L = linoleoyl; Ln = linonenoyl). Trilinolein (LLL) was the major triglyceride, followed by dilinoeoyl-oleoyl-glycerol (OLL) and dilinoleoyl-linolenoyl-glycerol (LLLn), with mean values of 37.7, 18.5, and 18.4%, respectively. Significant differences in composition were found between cultivars, and these differences were also significant when cultivars were grouped by year of production, showing that besides genetic factors, the triacylglycerol composition can be strongly influenced by environmental factors.

  Nuts, cardio and cerebrovascular risks. A Spanish perspective.:Arch Latinoam Nutr. 2004 Jun;54(2):137-48. Review. Spanish.Nus M, Ruperto M, S¨¢nchez-Muniz FJ.Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Espa?a.

 Nuts have been included in human diets for ages. They are very appreciated and used as a central component of sweets and desserts. However, during the last decades, scientific interest in those foods has increased enormously as many epidemiologic studies show protective effects of nut consumption on coronary heart disease in different population groups. To date, many clinical trials have analyzed the positive effects of nuts consumption (almond, walnut, pistachio, Macadamia nut, and pecan) on the lipid profile, decreasing total and low density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol. However, whether these effects are only due to their fatty acid composition or to any other bioactive compounds, such as tocopherols, phytosterols and phytoestrogens, it is still unknown. This paper, aims to review comparative composition aspects of nuts, such as the positive effects on body weight, lipoprotein metabolism, and protection against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The inclusion of 25 g/day of nuts, mainly raw, into a prudent diet seems to be recommended. Further investigations, as actual information is still scarce, in order to dilucidate the relationship between nuts consumption and vascular diseases are proposed.

  Butter and walnuts, but not olive oil, elicit postprandial activation of nuclear transcription factor kappaB in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy men.:Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Dec;80(6):1487-91. Bellido C, L¨®pez-Miranda J, Blanco-Colio LM, P¨¦rez-Mart¨ªnez P, Muriana FJ, Mart¨ªn-Ventura JL, Mar¨ªn C, G¨®mez P, Fuentes F, Egido J, P¨¦rez-Jim¨¦nez F.Lipids and Arteriosclerosis Unit, Hospital Universitario Reina Sof¨ªa, C¨®rdoba, Spain.

 BACKGROUND: Nuclear transcription factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) plays an important role in atherosclerosis by modulating gene expression. Postprandial lipemia has been correlated with an increase in NF-kappaB activation in vascular cells and it is associated with an increase in postprandial triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins, which are involved in the development of atherosclerotic plaque. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the intakes of 3 different foods with different fat compositions on the postprandial activation of monocyte NF-kappaB. DESIGN: Eight healthy men followed a 4-wk baseline diet and then consumed 3 fat-load meals consisting of 1 g fat/kg body wt (65% fat) according to a randomized crossover design. Each meal had a different fatty acid composition, and the consumption of each meal was separated by 1 wk. The compositions of the 3 test meals were as follows: olive oil meal [22% saturated fatty acids (SFAs), 38% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), 4% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and 0.7% alpha-linolenic acid], butter meal (38% SFAs, 22% MUFAs, 4% PUFAs, and 0.7% alpha-linolenic acid), and walnut meal (20% SFAs, 24% MUFAs, 16% PUFAs, and 4% alpha-linolenic acid). RESULTS: Ingestion of the olive oil meal did not elicit NF-kappaB activation compared with ingestion of either the butter meal at 3 h (P <0.05) or the walnut meal at 9 h (P <0.05). There was no significant difference in the postprandial triacylglycerol response between the 3 meals. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of an olive oil-enriched meal does not activate NF-kappaB in monocytes as do butter and walnut-enriched meals. This effect could enhance the cardioprotective effect of olive oil-enriched diets.


  Phloem unloading in developing walnut fruit is symplasmic in the seed pericarp and apoplasmic in the fleshy pericarp.:Plant Cell Physiol. 2004 Oct;45(10):1461-70.Wu GL, Zhang XY, Zhang LY, Pan QH, Shen YY, Zhang DP.College of Horticultural Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, 030801 Taigu, Shanxi, China.

 The sieve element-companion cell (SE-CC) complex of the sepal bundles feeding the fleshy pericarp of developing walnut (Juglans regia L.) fruit is structurally symplasmically isolated, but the SE-CC complex of the minor ventral carpellary bundles located in the seed pericarp and feeding the seed is structurally symplasmically connected to its adjacent parenchyma cells. 14C-autoradiography indicated that the phloem of both the sepal and carpellary bundles was functional for unloading. Confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging of carboxyfluorescein unloading showed that the dye is confined to the phloem strands of the sepal bundles in the fleshy pericarp, but released from the phloem strands of the minor ventral carpellary bundles into the surrounding parenchyma cells in the seed pericarp. A 60-kDa acid invertase was immunolocalized to the cell wall of SE-CC complex and parenchyma cells in both the fleshy and seed pericarp. These data provide clear evidence for an apoplasmic phloem unloading pathway in the fleshy pericarp and a predominant symplasmic phloem unloading pathway parallel with a possible apoplasmic path as suggested by the presence of the extracellular invertase in the seed pericarp. A model of complex phloem unloading pathways in developing walnut fruit has been proposed.

  Including walnuts in a low-fat/modified-fat diet improves HDL cholesterol-to-total cholesterol ratios in patients with type 2 diabetes.:Diabetes Care. 2004 Dec;27(12):2777-83.Tapsell LC, Gillen LJ, Patch CS, Batterham M, Owen A, Bar¨¦ M, Kennedy M.National Centre of Excellence in Functional Foods, Northfields Avenue, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia. ltapsell@uow.edu.au

 OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a moderate-fat diet inclusive of walnuts on blood lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a parallel randomized controlled trial comparing three dietary advice groups each with 30% energy as fat: low fat, modified low fat, and modified low fat inclusive of 30 g of walnuts per day. Fifty-eight men and women, mean age 59.3 +/- 8.1 years, started the trial. Dietary advice was given at baseline with monthly follow-up and fortnightly phone calls for support. Body weight, percent body fat, blood lipids, HbA1c, total antioxidant capacity, and erythrocyte fatty acid levels were measured at 0, 3, and 6 months. Data were assessed by repeated-measures ANOVA with an intention-to-treat model. RESULTS: The walnut group achieved a significantly greater increase in HDL cholesterol-to-total cholesterol ratio (P=0.049) and HDL (P=0.046) than the two other treatment groups. A 10% reduction in LDL cholesterol was also achieved in the walnut group, reflecting a significant effect by group (P=0.032) and time (P=0.036). There were no significant differences between groups for changes in body weight, percent body fat, total antioxidant capacity, or HbA1c levels. The higher dietary polyunsaturated fat-to-saturated fat ratio and intakes of omega-3 fatty acids in the walnut group were confirmed by erythrocyte biomarkers of dietary intake. CONCLUSIONS: Structured "whole of diet" advice that included 30 g of walnuts/day delivering substantial amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acid improved the lipid profile of patients with type 2 diabetes.

  Alpha-linolenic acid and cardiovascular diseases.:Med Pregl. 2003;56 Suppl 1:19-25. Serbian.Risti?-Medi? D, Risti? G, Tepsi? V.danijelar@imi.bc.ac.yu

 IMPORTANCE AND METABOLISM OF ALPHA-LINOLENIC ACID: Alpha-linolenic acid is an essential fatty acid which cannot be produced in the body and must be taken by food. Both in animals and humans, alpha-linolenic acid is desaturated and elongated into eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid. It is also incorporated into plasma and tissue lipids and its conversion is affected by levels of linoleic acid. POTENTIAL ROLE IN PATHOGENESIS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES: Diet enriched in n-3 fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid, reduces the incidence of cardiac death. Studies have shown that alpha linolenic acid prevents ventricular fibrillation which is the main cause of cardiac death. Studies in rats suggest that alpha-linolenic acid may be more effective in preventing ventricular fibrillations than eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid. Furthermore, alpha-linolenic acid is the main fatty acid decreasing platalet aggregation which is an important step in thrombosis i.e. non-fatal myocardial infarction and stroke. DIETARY SOURCES AND NUTRITION RECOMMENDATIONS: Dietary sources include flaxseed and flaxseed oil, canola oil, soybean and soybean oil, pumpkin seed and pumpkin oil, walnuts and walnut oil. Strong evidence supports beneficial effects of alpha-linolenic acid and its dietary sources should be incorporated into balanced diet for prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The recommended daily intake is 2 g with a ratio of 5/1 for linoleic/alpha-linolenic acid.

  Lipid transfer protein and vicilin are important walnut allergens in patients not allergic to pollen.:J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2004 Oct;114(4):908-14.Pastorello EA, Farioli L, Pravettoni V, Robino AM, Scibilia J, Fortunato D, Conti A, Borgonovo L, Bengtsson A, Ortolani C.Allergy Center, Department of Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Ospedale Maggiore Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy. elide.pastorello@unimi.it

 BACKGROUND: Walnut is the most common cause of allergic reactions to tree nuts, as reported by large population studies. Two major allergens of walnut have been identified up until now: a 2S albumin and a vicilin-like protein. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to identify the walnut major allergens in the Italian population and to compare the walnut IgE-binding profile in patients with or without pollen allergy. METHODS: We selected 46 patients either with oral allergy syndrome confirmed by open oral challenge or with systemic symptoms after ingestion of walnut. These patients' sera were used for the immunoblotting of walnut extract; the identified allergens were purified by HPLC and sequenced. A peach-walnut cross-inhibition study was then performed. RESULTS: The only major allergen recognized by our study population was a 9-kd lipid transfer protein (LTP), recognized by 37 patients. Two other minor allergens of approximately 9-kd molecular weight, both belonging to the vicilin family, were recognized by 10 patients. IgE binding to walnut LTP was completely inhibited by peach LTP. CONCLUSION: In Italian patients with walnut allergy confirmed by documented history of severe systemic reactions or by open oral food challenge, the major allergen is an LTP. The sensitization to this protein seems to be secondary to the sensitization to peach LTP, which acts as the primary sensitizer. LTP and vicilins were able to sensitize patients not allergic to pollen.

  Alpha-linolenic acid and coronary heart disease.:Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2004 Jun;14(3):162-9. Review.de Lorgeril M, Salen P.Laboratoire Nutrition, Vieillissement et Maladies Cardiovasculaires (NVMCV), UFR de M¨¦decine et Pharmacie, Universit¨¦ Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France. michel.delorgeril@ujf-grenoble.fr

 AIM: To summarize our present knowledge about vegetable omega-3 fatty acids. DATA SYNTHESIS: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is one of the two essential fatty acids in humans. Epidemiological studies and dietary trials strongly suggest that this fatty acid is important in relation with the pathogenesis (and prevention) of coronary heart disease. Like other n-3 fatty acids from marine origin, it may prevent cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The optimal dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid seems to be about 2 g per day or 0.6 to 1% of total energy intake. Obtaining an optimal ratio of the two essential fatty acids, linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids--ie a ratio of less than 4 to 1 in the diet--is a major issue. The main sources of alpha-linolenic acid for the European population should be canola oil (and canola-oil based margarine if available), nuts (English walnut), ground linseeds and green leafy vegetables such as purslane. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemiological studies and dietary trials in humans suggest that alpha-linolenic acid is a major cardio-protective nutrient.


  The use of ozone as an oxidizing agent to evaluate antioxidant activities of natural substrates.:Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2004 Jul-Aug;17(4):183-9.He QC, Krone K, Scherl D, Kotler M, Tavakkol A.Advanced Technology Skin Research, Personal Care, Colgate-Palmolive Company, Piscataway, NJ 08855, USA. claire_he@colpal.com

 Ozone, the main component of photochemical smog and air pollution, can damage the skin by oxidizing stratum corneum enzymes, lipids and structural proteins. We have developed a rapid screening assay to determine free radical scavenging capacity of various active ingredients that are frequently used in personal care products. Several known antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E analog Trolox, walnut seed extract, lipoic acid and ergothioneine inner salt were assayed for their ability to neutralize ozone-induced oxidation of beta-phycoerythrin, a fluorescent reporter protein derived from algae. The free radical scavenging capacities of these antioxidants were quantified and compared. The results demonstrate that this assay is a valuable primary screening tool for identifying antioxidant activity of natural or synthetic substrates that can be used in personal care products to protect the uppermost layer of our skin from oxidizing damage induced by O3.

  Fatty acid profile, tocopherol, squalene and phytosterol content of walnuts, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts and the macadamia nut.:Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2004 May;55(3):171-8. Maguire LS, O'Sullivan SM, Galvin K, O'Connor TP, O'Brien NM.Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Ireland.

 Nuts are high in fat but have a fatty acid profile that may be beneficial in relation to risk of coronary heart disease. Nuts also contain other potentially cardioprotective constituents including phytosterols, tocopherols and squalene. In the present study, the total oil content, peroxide value, composition of fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols and squalene content were determined in the oil extracted from freshly ground walnuts, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts and the macadamia nut. The total oil content of the nuts ranged from 37.9 to 59.2%, while the peroxide values ranged from 0.19 to 0.43 meq O2/kg oil. The main monounsaturated fatty acid was oleic acid (C18:1) with substantial levels of palmitoleic acid (C16:1) present in the macadamia nut. The main polyunsaturated fatty acids present were linoleic acid (C18:2) and linolenic acid (C18:3). alpha-Tocopherol was the most prevalent tocopherol except in walnuts. The levels of squalene detected ranged from 9.4 to 186.4 microg/g. beta-Sitosterol was the most abundant sterol, ranging in concentration from 991.2 to 2071.7 microg/g oil. Campesterol and stigmasterol were also present in significant concentrations. Our data indicate that all five nuts are a good source of monounsaturated fatty acid, tocopherols, squalene and phytosterols.

  Phytochemical inhibition of aflatoxigenicity in Aspergillus flavus by constituents of walnut (Juglans regia).:J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Apr 7;52(7):1882-9. Mahoney N, Molyneux RJ.Plant Mycotoxin Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, California 94710, USA.

 Tulare walnut, a cultivar highly resistant to aflatoxin formation, was investigated for endogenous phytochemical constituents capable of inhibiting aflatoxigenesis in Aspergillus flavus. The activity, located entirely in the pellicle (seed coat), was extractable to various degrees with polar solvents, although some activity remained unextractable, indicating that the bioactivity resided in a complex of hydrolyzable tannins. These tannins can be hydrolyzed by a fungal tannase present in A. flavus, yielding gallic acid and ellagic acid, testing of which showed that only gallic acid had potent inhibitory activity toward aflatoxin biosynthesis. Comparison of the gallic and ellagic acid content in the pellicle of Tulare and Chico cultivars, over the 2002 and 2003 growing seasons, showed that the gallic acid content increased rapidly with maturation of the nut and was 1.5-2 times higher in Tulare than in Chico. Gallic acid content in the pellicle at maturity of a series of commercial English walnut cultivars, and two black walnut species, was determined as an indicator of potential for inhibition of aflatoxigenesis. Regulation of gallic acid levels in the hydrolyzable tannins of walnuts by conventional breeding or genetic manipulation has the potential to provide new cultivars with high resistance to aflatoxigenesis.

  Determination of sterol and fatty acid compositions, oxidative stability, and nutritional value of six walnut (Juglans regia L.) cultivars grown in Portugal.:J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Dec 17;51(26):7698-702.Amaral JS, Casal S, Pereira JA, Seabra RM, Oliveira BP.REQUIMTE, Servi?os de Farmacognosia and Bromatologia, Faculdade de Farm¨¢cia, Universidade do Porto, R An¨ªbal Cunha 164, 4050-047 Porto, Portugal.

 Six cultivars (Franquette, Marbot, Mayette, Mellanaise, Lara, and Parisienne) of walnuts (Juglans regia L.) were collected during the 2001 crop, from Bragan?a, Portugal. Chemical composition, including moisture, total oil content, crude protein, ash, carbohydrates, and nutritional value, was evaluated. Fat was the predominant component, ranging from 62.3 to 66.5%. Total oil was extracted and analyzed for fatty acids, sterols, oxidative stability, and peroxide value. Fatty acids and sterols were determined by gas-liquid chromatography coupled to a flame ionization detector. Eighteen fatty acids were quantified. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and, in particular, linoleic acid were predominant. Beta-Sitosterol, delta(5)-avenasterol, and campesterol were the major sterols found. Differences were observed among the studied cultivars, especially in peroxide values and in the sterol profile.

  Aqueous extract of walnut (Juglans regia L.) protects mice against cyclophosphamide-induced biochemical toxicity.:Hum Exp Toxicol. 2003 Sep;22(9):473-80.Haque R, Bin-Hafeez B, Parvez S, Pandey S, Sayeed I, Ali M, Raisuddin S.Immunotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Hamdard University, New Delhi 110 062, India.

 Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is extensively used in traditional systems of medicine for treatment of various ailments. It is described as an anticancer, tonic, blood purifier and detoxifier agent. The present study was undertaken to investigate modulatory effects of walnut extract on the toxicity of an anticancer drug, cyclophosphamide (CP) with special reference to protection against disruption of drug metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes. Plant extract+CP group animals showed restoration in the level of cytochrome P450 (CYP) content and in the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GP) and catalase (CAT) in both liver and kidneys. But plant extract restored the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) in the kidneys only when compared with CP-treated animals. Plant extract treatment alone caused significant reduction in the content of CYP in the kidneys mainly. The extract showed a significant increase in the level of GSH and in the activities of GP in both the tissues and CAT in liver only, whereas no significant change was observed in the activities of GST and SOD. CP treatment resulted in a significant (P < 0.01) increase in the lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the liver and kidneys compared with controls, while the extract+CP treated group showed a significant decrease in the LPO in liver and kidneys when compared with the CP-treated group. The study shows that the use of J. regia extract might be helpful in abrogation of CP toxicity during the chemotherapy.


  Antihypertriglyceridemic effect of walnut oil.:Angiology. 2003 Jul-Aug;54(4):411-4.Zibaeenezhad MJ, Rezaiezadeh M, Mowla A, Ayatollahi SM, Panjehshahin MR.Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Public Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Zibaeem2@sums.ac.ir

 Hyperlipidemia is an important modifiable risk factor of coronary heart diseases. So far, several studies, have indicated the beneficial effects of nuts on plasma lipid profile. Previously, in a pilot study the authors have shown that administration of 20 g/day of Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) for 8 weeks could decrease plasma triglyceride (TG) concentration by 17% (p value < 0.05). Walnut also increased the plasma HDL-cholesterol level markedly (p value < 0.05). To make the measurements more reliable and to avoid the unwanted walnut side effects (eg, rash, pruritus), this randomized, double blind case-control study was conducted to evaluate the lipid-lowering effect of Persian walnut oil in the population of southern Iran. Sixty hyperlipidemic subjects were randomized into 2 groups; group A patients (n = 29) received walnut oil encapsulated in 500 mg capsules, 3 g/day, for 45 days. Group B patients (n = 31) received placebo and served as the control group. Lipid profiles of both groups were checked before; on days 15, 30, and 45 after the beginning; and 15 days after termination of the study. Plasma TG concentrations decreased by 19% to 33% of baseline in group A patients (p value < 0.05). No statistically significant change was observed in other measured parameters. It was concluded that walnut oil is a good antihypertriglyceridemic natural remedy and should be further explored in more detail.

  Antioxidative polyphenols from walnuts (Juglans regia L.).:Phytochemistry. 2003 Aug;63(7):795-801.

 Three hydrolyzable tannins, glansrins A-C, together with adenosine, adenine, and 13 known tannins were isolated from the n-BuOH extract of walnuts (the seeds of Juglans regia L.). Glansrins A-C were characterized as ellagitannins with a tergalloyl group, or related polyphenolic acyl group, based on spectral and chemical evidence. The 14 walnut polyphenols had superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity with EC(50) 21.4-190 microM and a remarkable radical scavenging effect against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (EC(50) 0.34-4.72 microM).

  Studies on correlation of antimutagenic and antiproliferative activities of Juglans regia L.:J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2003;22(1):59-67.Kaur K, Michael H, Arora S, H?rk?nen PL, Kumar S.Department of Botanical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India. kamal_rajput@hotmail.com

 We investigated the effect of water and acetone extract of Juglans regia L. to evaluate its antimutagenic and antiproliferative activities. The antimutagenic study using TA98 and TA100 tester strains of Salmonella revealed the water and acetone extracts to be more effective than the benzene and chloroform extracts in inhibiting the revertants induced by 2-aminoflourene (2AF) in TA100 tester strains. The most effective extracts in the Ames assay were further evaluated using the Lucifer luciferase assay and in time course studies for antiproliferative activities using the Hoechst staining to observe apoptotic cell deaths. The acetone extract showed a correlation of antimutagenic activities in the Ames assay with its antiproliferative effect in different cell lines, while the water extract exerted its effect distinctly in each cell line. Further studies are still needed to evaluate the cytotoxicity in experiments carried out in vivo.

  Biochemical and physical properties of some walnut genotypes (Juglans regia L.).:Nahrung. 2003 Feb;47(1):28-32.Caglarirmak N.University, Agricultural Faculty, Food Engineering Department, Tasliliftlik campus, TR-60240 Tokat, Turkey. caglarirmaknecla@hotmail.com

 Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is a plant that has significant economical value and medicinal importance for human health. It is consumed in large quantities by people, therefore, it has a very important place in the public nutritive habits. Turkey has a very good walnut population of walnut varieties when compared to other parts of the world. Our objective was to investigate kernel properties and fatty acid composition, proximate composition and minerals of genotypes that are commonly grown in Turkey. Investigated genotypes were Sebin-Type-I, K?rceg?z, Karabodur, Tozam and G¨¹venli. Physical properties are attributed to quality criteria of nuts. Sebin Type-I and G¨¹venli showed a good quality according to the test results. Average fatty acid compositions of genotypes (%) were 16:0; 6.88, 18:0; 7.50, 18:1; 21.16, 18.2; 43.41, 18:3; 6.25: 20:0; 11.75 for Sebin-Type-I, K?rceg?z, Karabodur, Tozani and G¨¹venli, respectively. Proximate compounds (%) were: protein, 13.77; ash, 1.81; moisture, 2.98; fat, 62.84; total carbohydrate, 18.67. Average mineral contents (mg/100 g) were: P, 316.0; K, 270.0; Ca, 85.0; Mg, 90.0; Zn, 2.01; Mn, 2.46; Cu, 1.01; Fe, 2.90; B, 1.03.

  Four new diarylheptanoids from the roots of Juglans mandshurica.:Chem Pharm Bull. 2003 Mar;51(3):262-4.Li G, Xu ML, Choi HG, Lee SH, Jahng YD, Lee CS, Moon DC, Woo MH, Son JK.College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyongsan, Korea.

 Four new diarylheptanoids (1-4), along with two known tetralones (5, 6), were isolated from the roots of Juglans mandshurica and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic studies.


  Effects of walnut consumption as part of a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet on serum cardiovascular risk factors.:Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2002 Oct;72(5):341-7.Morgan JM, Horton K, Reese D, Carey C, Walker K, Capuzzi DM.Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pa 19107, USA. John.Morgan@mail.tju.edu

 Serum components, such as lipoproteins, coagulation factors (factor VII, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), fibrinogen), and homocysteine have been associated with cardiovascular disease. Dietary intervention with a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet has favorably influenced cardiovascular disease and certain food, specifically the consumption of nuts, has been associated with reduced cardiovascular risks. The effects of walnuts, as part of a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet, on serum cardiovascular risk factors were determined. Sixty-seven (67) outpatients with borderline high total cholesterol following a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet for six weeks before being randomly assigned to continue the diet or have 64 grams/day of walnuts in conjunction with the diet. After six weeks, the patients' diets were switched. Therefore, all patients consumed 64 grams/day of walnuts for six weeks during part of the trial as part of a low-fat, low cholesterol diet. Serum lipids demonstrated a significant reduction in triacyglycerols and favorable trend with decreases in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and a slight increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. No statistical effects on homocysteine or the coagulation factors were observed. However, there was a slight favorable trend for tPA and PAI-1. This study demonstrated that walnuts, when consumed as part of a low fat, low-cholesterol diet, have a beneficial effect on serum cardiovascular risk factors. However, these changes may not explain all of the beneficial effects that walnut consumption has on cardiovascular disease.

  Comparative analysis of different plant oils by high-performance liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry.:J Chromatogr A. 2002 Nov 8;976(1-2):255-63.Jakab A, H¨¦berger K, Forg¨¢cs E.Institute of Chest, Chemical Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 17, H-1525 Budapest, Hungary. janna@chemres.hu

 Different vegetable oil samples (almond, avocado, corngerm, grapeseed, linseed, olive, peanut, pumpkin seed, soybean, sunflower, walnut, wheatgerm) were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry. A gradient elution technique was applied using acetone-acetonitrile eluent systems on an ODS column (Purospher, RP-18e, 125 x 4 mm, 5 microm). Identification of triacylglycerols (TAGs) was based on the pseudomolecular ion [M+1]+ and the diacylglycerol fragments. The positional isomers of triacylglycerol were identified from the relative intensities of the [M-RCO2]+ fragments. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) as a common multivariate mathematical-statistical calculation was successfully used to distinguish the oils based on their TAG composition. LDA showed that 97.6% of the samples were classified correctly.

  Cytotoxic diarylheptanoids from the roots of Juglans mandshurica.:J Nat Prod. 2002 Nov;65(11):1707-8.Lee KS, Li G, Kim SH, Lee CS, Woo MH, Lee SH, Jhang YD, Son JK.College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyongsan, 712-749, Korea.

 A new (2) and three known diarylheptanoids (1, 3, and 4), along with one known sesquiterpenoid (5), were isolated from the roots of Juglans mandshurica, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic studies. Four of these compounds (2-5) exhibited moderate cytotoxicities against human colon carcinoma and human lung carcinoma cell lines with IC(50)'s ranging from 2 to 25 microg/mL.

  Some evidence for the use of doctrine of signatures in the land of Israel and its environs during the Middle Ages.:Harefuah. 2002 Jul;141(7):651-5, 664. Hebrew.Lev E.Dept. of Eretz Israel Studies, University of Haifa, Israel.

 The Doctrine of Signatures, was developed in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries, though, its traces are spread until the present day in different traditional medicine cultures. This study traces the use of the Doctrine of Signatures in the medical and pharmacological literature of the Land of Israel and it's environs during the Middle Ages. The historical sources support the claim that although this theory did not originate in the region, it was certainly practiced there. These sources have revealed 23 substances with medicinal uses based on the Doctrine, bearing witness to the extent of its influence at the time: PLANTS: Common Agrimony, Common Balm, Common Snapdragon, Coral Peony, Corn Gromwell, Lebanon Barberry, Mullein, Orchid, Panther Strangler, Red Horned Poppy, Rhubarb, Rose of Jericho, Southern Maidenhair Fern, Spiny Broom, Sumach, Walnut, Wild Dog Rose. ANIMALS: Firefly, Red Coral, White Cuttle Fish. MINERALS: Red Chalk (Haematite), Sea Urchin, White Clay. The main categories of the Doctrine uncovered were: similarity between the substance used and the human organ; resemblance in shape or behaviour to a specific animal; correlation between the colour of a substance and the colour of the symptoms; similarities between the substance and the patient's symptoms and the use of a substance that might produce symptoms of a particular disease in a healthy person to remedy those same symptoms in one who is sick.

  The scientific evidence for a beneficial health relationship between walnuts and coronary heart disease.:J Nutr. 2002 May;132(5):1062S-1101S. Review.Feldman EB.Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA.

 The author and four independent experts evaluated the intent and quality of scientific evidence for a potential beneficial health relationship between the intake of walnuts and the reduction and prevention of coronary heart disease. The report also addresses the supporting evidence for the health benefit of other tree nuts and selected legumes. Compared to most other nuts, which contain monounsaturated fatty acids, walnuts are unique because they are rich in n-6 (linoleate) and n-3 (linolenate) polyunsaturated fatty acids. Walnuts contain multiple health-beneficial components, such as having a low lysine:arginine ratio and high levels of arginine, folate, fiber, tannins, and polyphenols. Though walnuts are energy rich, clinical dietary intervention studies show that walnut consumption does not cause a net gain in body weight when eaten as a replacement food. Five controlled, peer-reviewed, human clinical walnut intervention trials, involving approximately 200 subjects representative of the 51% of the adult population in the United States at risk of coronary heart disease were reviewed. The intervention trials consistently demonstrated walnuts as part of a heart-healthy diet, lower blood cholesterol concentrations. None of these studies were of extended duration that would be essential for evaluation of the sustainability of the observed outcomes. These results were supported by several large prospective observational studies in humans, all demonstrating a dose response-related inverse association of the relative risk of coronary heart disease with the frequent daily consumption of small amounts of nuts, including walnuts.


  Lipid analysis of Greek walnut oil (Juglans regia L.).:Z Naturforsch [C]. 2002 Jan-Feb;57(1-2):51-6.Tsamouris G, Hatziantoniou S, Demetzos C.School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Greece.

 The walnut oil (Juglans regia L.) total lipids (TL) were extracted by the Bligh-Dyer method and the lipid classes have been isolated by chromatographic techniques and they were analyzed by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC)/FID and GC-MS. The oil was found to be rich in neutral lipids (96.9% of total lipids) and low in polar lipids (3.1% of total lipids). The neutral lipid fraction consisted mainly of triacylglycerides whereas the polar lipids mainly consisted of sphingolipids. GC-MS data showed that the main fatty acid was linoleic acid. Unsaturated fatty acids were found as high as 85%, while the percentage of the saturated fatty acids was found 15%. Two types of liposomes were prepared from the isolated walnut oil phospholipids and characterized as new formulations. These formulations may have future applications for encapsulation and delivery of drugs and cosmetic active ingredients.

  A systematic screening of total antioxidants in dietary plants.:J Nutr. 2002 Mar;132(3):461-71.Halvorsen BL, Holte K, Myhrstad MC, Barikmo I, Hvattum E, Remberg SF, Wold AB, Haffner K, Bauger?d H, Andersen LF, Moskaug ?, Jacobs DR Jr, Blomhoff R.Institute for Nutrition Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway.

 A predominantly plant-based diet reduces the risk for development of several chronic diseases. It is often assumed that antioxidants contribute to this protection, but results from intervention trials with single antioxidants administered as supplements quite consistently do not support any benefit. Because dietary plants contain several hundred different antioxidants, it would be useful to know the total concentration of electron-donating antioxidants (i.e., reductants) in individual items. Such data might be useful in the identification of the most beneficial dietary plants. We have assessed systematically total antioxidants in a variety of dietary plants used worldwide, including various fruits, berries, vegetables, cereals, nuts and pulses. When possible, we analyzed three or more samples of dietary plants from three different geographic regions in the world. Total antioxidants was assessed by the reduction of Fe(3+) to Fe(2+) (i.e., the FRAP assay), which occurred rapidly with all reductants with half-reaction reduction potentials above that of Fe(3+)/Fe(2+). The values, therefore, expressed the corresponding concentration of electron-donating antioxidants. Our results demonstrated that there is more than a 1000-fold difference among total antioxidants in various dietary plants. Plants that contain most antioxidants included members of several families, such as Rosaceae (dog rose, sour cherry, blackberry, strawberry, raspberry), Empetraceae (crowberry), Ericaceae (blueberry), Grossulariaceae (black currant), Juglandaceae (walnut), Asteraceae (sunflower seed), Punicaceae (pomegranate) and Zingiberaceae (ginger). In a Norwegian diet, fruits, berries and cereals contributed 43.6%, 27.1% and 11.7%, respectively, of the total intake of plant antioxidants. Vegetables contributed only 8.9%. The systematic analysis presented here will facilitate research into the nutritional role of the combined effect of antioxidants in dietary plants.

  Differential effect of walnut oil and safflower oil on the serum cholesterol level and lesion area in the aortic root of apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.:Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2002 Jan;66(1):141-6.

 Walnut oil (WO) is a good source of alpha-linolenic acid. We compared the effects of WO and high-linoleic safflower oil (HLSO) on the serum lipid level and atherosclerosis development in male and female apolipoprotein (apo) E-deficient mice. The WO diet resulted in a higher level of serum cholesterol than with HLSO. Female mice fed on the WO diet had a greater lesion area in the aortic root than did those on the HLSO diet. There was no diet-dependent difference in the level of cholesterol and its oxidation products in the abdominal and thoracic aorta. These results suggest that the unpleasant effects of the WO diet on apo E-deficient mice may be attributable to alpha-linolenic acid.

  Body building aided by intramuscular injections of walnut oil.:Ugeskr Laeger. 2001 Nov 26;163(48):6758. Danish.Munch IC, Hvolris JJ.Sygehus Vestsjaelland, ortopaedkirurgisk afdeling.

 This case report describes a 26-year-old body builder who had practiced several months of intramuscular self-injection of walnut oil. Apparently this is a normal procedure amongst body-builders. Our patient complained of swelling and tenderness overlying an injection site. Injections of oil may cause foreign body reactions, leading to tumours named according to the injected material; e.g. paraffinoma, oleoma. Systemic distribution has been reported to result in pulmonary complications.

  Walnut-enriched diet increases the association of LDL from hypercholesterolemic men with human HepG2 cells.:J Lipid Res. 2001 Dec;42(12):2069-76.Mu?oz S, Merlos M, Zamb¨®n D, Rodr¨ªguez C, Sabat¨¦ J, Ros E, Laguna JC.Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

 In a randomized, cross-over feeding trial involving 10 men with polygenic hypercholesterolemia, a control, Mediterranean-type cholesterol-lowering diet, and a diet of similar composition in which walnuts replaced approximately 35% of energy from unsaturated fat, were given for 6 weeks each. Compared with the control diet, the walnut diet reduced serum total and LDL cholesterol by 4.2% (P = 0.176), and 6.0% (P = 0.087), respectively. No changes were observed in HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein A-I levels or in the relative proportion of protein, triglycerides, phospholipids, and cholesteryl esters in LDL particles. The apolipoprotein B level declined in parallel with LDL cholesterol (6.0% reduction). Whole LDL, particularly the triglyceride fraction, was enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids from walnuts (linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids). In comparison with LDL obtained during the control diet, LDL obtained during the walnut diet showed a 50% increase in association rates to the LDL receptor in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. LDL uptake by HepG2 cells was correlated with alpha-linolenic acid content of the triglyceride plus cholesteryl ester fractions of LDL particles (r(2) = 0.42, P < 0.05). Changes in the quantity and quality of LDL lipid fatty acids after a walnut-enriched diet facilitate receptor-mediated LDL clearance and may contribute to the cholesterol-lowering effect of walnut consumption.


  Walnut polyphenolics inhibit in vitro human plasma and LDL oxidation.:J Nutr. 2001 Nov;131(11):2837-42.Anderson KJ, Teuber SS, Gobeille A, Cremin P, Waterhouse AL, Steinberg FM.Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.

 Recent epidemiologic studies have associated nut consumption with a reduced incidence of cardiovascular mortality. However, little is known about the contribution of nut polyphenols to antioxidant and cardiovascular protection. In this investigation, polyphenol-rich extracts from English walnuts (Juglans regia) were studied and compared with ellagic acid for their ability to inhibit in vitro plasma and LDL oxidation, as well as their effects on LDL alpha-tocopherol during oxidative stress. In addition, the Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC) was determined and liquid chromatography electrospray detection mass spectrometry (LC-ELSD/MS) analyses of the walnut extracts were performed. 2,2'-Azobis'(2-amidino propane) hydrochloride (AAPH)-induced LDL oxidation was significantly inhibited by 87 and 38% with the highest concentration (1.0 micromol/L) of ellagic acid and walnut extract, respectively. In addition, copper-mediated LDL oxidation was inhibited by 14 and 84% in the presence of ellagic acid and walnut extract, respectively, with a modest, significant LDL alpha-tocopherol sparing effect observed. Plasma thiobarbituric acid reacting substance (TBARS) formation was significantly inhibited by walnut extracts and ellagic acid in a dose-dependent manner, and the extracts exhibited a TEAC value greater than that of alpha-tocopherol. LC-ELSD/MS analysis of the walnut extracts identified ellagic acid monomers, polymeric ellagitannins and other phenolics, principally nonflavonoid compounds. These results demonstrate that walnut polyphenolics are effective inhibitors of in vitro plasma and LDL oxidation. The polyphenolic content of walnuts should be considered when evaluating their antiatherogenic potential.

  Effects of walnut consumption on plasma fatty acids and lipoproteins in combined hyperlipidemia.:Am J Clin Nutr. 2001 Jul;74(1):72-9.Almario RU, Vonghavaravat V, Wong R, Kasim-Karakas SE.Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA.

 BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic studies show an inverse relation between nut consumption and coronary heart disease. OBJECTIVE: We determined the effects of walnut intake on plasma fatty acids, lipoproteins, and lipoprotein subclasses in patients with combined hyperlipidemia. DESIGN: Participants sequentially adhered to the following diets: 1) a habitual diet (HD), 2) a habitual diet plus walnuts (HD+W), 3) a low-fat diet (LFD), and 4) a low-fat diet plus walnuts (LFD+W). RESULTS: In 13 postmenopausal women and 5 men ( +/- SD age 60 +/- 8 y), walnut supplementation did not increase body weight despite increased energy intake and the LFD caused weight loss (1.3 +/- 0.5 kg; P < 0.01). When comparing the HD with the HD+W, linoleic acid concentrations increased from 29.94 +/- 1.14% to 36.85 +/- 1.13% and alpha-linolenic acid concentrations increased from 0.78 +/- 0.04% to 1.56 +/- 0.11%. During the LFD+W, plasma total cholesterol concentrations decreased by 0.58 +/- 0.16 mmol/L when compared with the HD and by 0.46 +/- 0.14 mmol/L when compared with the LFD. LDL-cholesterol concentrations decreased by 0.46 +/- 0.15 mmol/L when compared with the LFD. Measurements of lipoprotein subclasses and particle size suggested that walnut supplementation lowered cholesterol preferentially in small LDL (46.1 +/- 1.9% compared with 33.4 +/- 4.3%, HD compared with HD+W, respectively; P < 0.01). HDL-cholesterol concentrations decreased from 1.27 +/- 0.07 mmol/L during the HD to 1.14 +/- 0.07 mmol/L during the HD+W and to 1.11 +/- 0.08 mmol/L during the LFD. The decrease was seen primarily in the large HDL particles. CONCLUSIONS: Walnut supplementation may beneficially alter lipid distribution among various lipoprotein subclasses even when total plasma lipids do not change. This may be an additional mechanism underlying the antiatherogenic properties of nut intake.

  Regulation of aflatoxin production by naphthoquinones of walnut (Juglans regia).:J Agric Food Chem. 2000 Sep;48(9):4418-21.Mahoney N, Molyneux RJ, Campbell BC.Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, California 94710, USA.

 Walnuts are a valuable crop the sale and export potential of which may be severely limited by contamination with aflatoxins, metabolites produced on infection with Aspergillus flavus. The effect of a series of four naphthoquinones [1,4-naphthoquinone (1); juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) (2); 2-methyl-1, 4-naphthoquinone (3); and, plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1, 4-naphthoquinone) (4)] (Figure 1), which occur in walnut husks, on fungal viability and aflatoxigenesis was studied in vitro. The quinones delayed germination of the fungus and were capable of completely inhibiting growth at higher concentrations. Their effect on aflatoxin levels was highly dependent on the concentration of individual naphthoquinones in the media. At higher concentrations, aflatoxin production was decreased or completely inhibited, but at lower concentrations there was a stimulatory effect on aflatoxin biosynthesis, with a >3-fold increase at 20 ppm of 3. Structural features associated with decreased fungal viability and greatest effect on aflatoxigenesis are the presence of a 5-hydroxyl or 2-methyl substituent, but there is no significant additive effect when both of these substituents are present.

  Volatile components of green walnut husks.:J Agric Food Chem. 2000 Jul;48(7):2858-61.Buttery RG, Light DM, Nam Y, Merrill GB, Roitman JN.U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Western Regional Research Center, Albany, California 94710, USA.

 Volatiles were isolated from whole green mature walnuts (Hartley variety) with husks still intact using dynamic headspace sweeping with trapping on Tenax. A total of 45 volatile compounds were identified by GC-MS. Major volatiles identified included (E)-4, 8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene, pinocarvone, pinocarveol, myrtenal, myrtenol, (E,E)-4,8,12-trimethyl-1,3,7,11-tridecatetraene, caryophyllene epoxide, verbenol, verbenone, and terpinolene. Green walnuts that had been infested with codling moth showed appreciably higher amounts emitted for (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene, (E, E)-4,8,12-trimethyl-1,3,7,11-tridecatetraene, alpha- and beta-pinenes, sabinene, (E)-beta-ocimene, (E,E)-alpha-farnesene, and linalool. The infested nuts also emitted benzyl methyl ether, isobutyl cyanide, and 1-nitro-3-methylbutane, compounds not found with the healthy nuts. Volatiles from uninfested green walnuts at the maturity stage where the husk was just beginning to split were also analyzed and compared.

  Black walnut induced laminitis.:Vet Hum Toxicol. 2000 Feb;42(1):8-11.Thomsen ME, Davis EG, Rush BR.Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506-5606, USA.

 A 5-y-old Paint horse gelding was evaluated for acute laminitis after exposure to black walnut shavings. The gelding's feet were previously soaked in an ice bath continuously for approximately 24 h. Treatment consisted of anti-inflammatory and vasodilator therapy. Serial radiographs revealed progressive palmar deviation of the third phalanx and subsolar abscesses in both forefeet. The gelding developed purulent discharge from the right coronary band and the hoof wall detached circumfrentially. Euthanasia was elected after 54 days. Continual exposure of the gelding's feet to ice water temperatures may have caused decreased perfusion and increased edema formation in the laminae resulting in decreased blood flow and exacerbating the existing ischemic necrosis.


  Fatty acid content of New Zealand-grown walnuts (Juglans regia L.).:Int J Food Sci Nutr. 1999 May;50(3):189-94. Zwarts L, Savage GP, McNeil DL.Animal and Food Science Division, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.

 Walnut (Juglans regia L.) samples were collected during the 1994 and 1995 harvest from ten different cultivars of trees grown in a replicated trial in an experimental orchard at Lincoln University, New Zealand. Two US commercial cultivars (Tehama and Vina), three European commercial cultivars (Esterhazy, 139, G120) and five New Zealand selections (Rex, Dublin's Glory, Meyric, McKinster, Stanley) were evaluated. Total oil was extracted using a cold press and individual fatty acids were analysed by GLC. The total oil content of the nuts ranged from 62.4 to 68.7%. The oleic acid content of the oils ranged from 14.3 to 26.1% of the total fatty acids, while the linoleic acid content ranged from 49.3 to 62.3% and the linolenic contents from 8.0 to 13.8%.

  Blood cholesterol and walnut consumption: a cross-sectional survey in France.:Prev Med. 1999 Apr;28(4):333-9.Lavedrine F, Zmirou D, Ravel A, Balducci F, Alary J.GREPO, Laboratoire de Chimie Analytique, Facult¨¦ de Pharmacie, La Tronche Cedex, France.

 BACKGROUND: The preventive role of polyunsaturated fatty acids in cardiovascular disease has been recognized. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the association between walnut consumption (oil and kernel) as a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and blood lipid levels. METHODS: Seven hundred ninety-three persons, males and females, ages 18-65 years, living in a walnut production area (Dauphin¨¦, France) attended health screening visits organized by the Agriculture Social Security. Past diet (1-year recall, including walnut and animal fat consumption) and cardiovascular risk factors were ascertained using food frequency questionnaires. For each participant a blood sample was taken to measure HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol; apo A1; and apo B. RESULTS: A high level of HDL cholesterol and apo A1 was associated with a high amount of walnut consumption (oil and kernel) in the regular diet, with a positive trend with increasing degree of walnut consumption. This association did not appear to be confounded by dietary animal fat and alcohol as measured in this study. Other blood lipids did not show significant associations with walnut consumption. CONCLUSION: The positive effect of walnut consumption on blood HDL cholesterol and apo A1 is of special interest since these lipid parameters have been shown to be negatively correlated with cardiovascular morbidity. Copyright 1999 American Health Foundation and Academic Press.

  A diet rich in walnuts favourably influences plasma fatty acid profile in moderately hyperlipidaemic subjects.:Eur J Clin Nutr. 1998 Jan;52(1):12-6.Chisholm A, Mann J, Skeaff M, Frampton C, Sutherland W, Duncan A, Tiszavari S.Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.

 OBJECTIVE: To compare two low fat diets one rich in walnuts on parameters of lipid metabolism in a group of hyperlipidaemic subjects. DESIGN: A randomised cross over study. SETTING: Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand SUBJECTS: Twenty one men with mean (s.d.) levels of total and LDL cholesterol of 6.58 (0.60) and 4.63 (0.58) respectively. INTERVENTIONS: For two periods of four weeks subjects were asked to consume two low fat diets (fat 30% total energy), one containing, on average, 78 g/d walnuts. Walnuts obtained through Lincoln University and the Walnut Growers Group (South Canterbury). RESULTS: Participants reported a higher total fat intake on the walnut diet (38% compared with 30% on the low fat diet P < 0.01) The most consistent change in fatty acid profile of triacylglycerol, phospholipid and cholesterol ester on the walnut diet was a significant (P < 0.01) increase in linoleic acid. Triacylglycerol linolenate also increased significantly (P < 0.01). Total and LDL cholesterol were lower on both experimental diets than at baseline, 0.25 mmol/l and 0.36 mmol/l respectively on the walnut diet and 0.13 mmol/l and 0.20 mmol/l respectively on the low fat diet. High density lipoprotein cholesterol was higher on both the walnut and low fat diets when compared to baseline (0.15 mmol/l and 0.12 mmol/l, respectively). When comparing the walnut and low fat diets only apo B was significantly lower (P < 0.05) on the walnut diet. CONCLUSIONS: Despite an unintended increase in the total fat intake on the walnut diet, fatty acid profile of the major lipid fractions showed changes which might be expected to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease. The reduction of apolipoprotein B suggests a reduction in lipoprotein mediated risk, the relatively low myristic acid content of both diets perhaps explaining the absence of more extensive differences in lipoprotein levels on the two diets.

  Acidic catecholamine metabolites and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in urine: the influence of diet.:Ann Clin Biochem. 1996 Jan;33 ( Pt 1):43-9.

 Concentrations of vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), vanillic acid (VA) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in urine from healthy subjects were determined by a high-performance liquid chromatography system with a mixed-mode (C18/anion-exchange) column and an 8-channel electrochemical detector, in order to study the influence of diet, diurnal variation and age. The urinary excretion of 5-HIAA increased significantly after eating banana, pineapple, tomato, kiwi fruit and walnut. An increase in the urinary excretion of DOPAC and HVA after eating banana and that of VA after taking vanilla was also noted. The urinary excretion of VMA was not significantly influenced by any of the foods examined. The urinary excretion of 5-HIAA in the first-morning urine increased beyond the upper limit of the reference value when banana was taken at 2000 h the previous day. The excretion of all metabolites in the second-morning urine in the fasting state was within respective reference ranges. Diurnal variation of the excretion of VMA, DOPAC, HVA and 5-HIAA in urine was relatively small, but that of VA was large. The concentrations (mmol/mol creatinine) of VMA, DOPAC, HVA, 5-HIAA and VA in the first-morning urine from healthy subjects increased from 7 days after birth to 1 year and then decreased to adult levels at 13 years of age.

  Nuts: a new protective food against coronary heart disease.:Curr Opin Lipidol. 1994 Feb;5(1):11-6. Review.Sabat¨¦ J, Fraser GE.Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA.

 Recent epidemiological findings indicate that frequent nut consumption offers protection from fatal and non-fatal coronary heart disease events. Although human nutrition studies seem to indicate that nut consumption lowers total and LDL cholesterol, the unique nutrient composition of nuts invites speculation on other mechanisms of protection.


  Effects of walnuts on serum lipid levels and blood pressure in normal men.:N Engl J Med. 1993 Mar 4;328(9):603-7.Sabat¨¦ J, Fraser GE, Burke K, Knutsen SF, Bennett H, Lindsted KD.Center for Health Research, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, CA 92350.

 BACKGROUND. In a recent six-year follow-up study, we found that frequent consumption of nuts was associated with a reduced risk of ischemic heart disease. To explore possible explanations for this finding, we studied the effects of nut consumption on serum lipids and blood pressure. METHODS. We randomly placed 18 healthy men on two mixed natural diets, each diet to be followed for four weeks. Both diets conformed to the National Cholesterol Education Program Step 1 diet and contained identical foods and macronutrients, except that 20 percent of the calories of one diet (the walnut diet) were derived from walnuts (offset by lesser amounts of fatty foods, meat, and visible fat [oils, margarine, and butter]). RESULTS. With the reference diet, the mean (+/- SD) serum values for total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were, respectively, 182 +/- 23, 112 +/- 16, and 47 +/- 11 mg per deciliter (4.71 +/- 0.59, 2.90 +/- 0.41, and 1.22 +/- 0.28 mmol per liter). With the walnut diet, the mean total cholesterol level was 22.4 mg per deciliter (0.58 mmol per liter) lower than the mean level with the reference diet (95 percent confidence interval, 28 to 17 mg per deciliter [0.72 to 0.44 mmol per liter]); the LDL and HDL cholesterol levels were, respectively, 18.2 mg per deciliter (0.47 mmol per liter) (P < 0.001) and 2.3 mg per deciliter (0.06 mmol per liter) (P = 0.01) lower. These lower values represented reductions of 12.4, 16.3, and 4.9 percent in the levels of total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol, respectively. The ratio of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol was also lowered (P < 0.001) by the walnut diet. Mean blood-pressure values did not change during either dietary period. CONCLUSIONS. Incorporating moderate quantities of walnuts into the recommended cholesterol-lowering diet while maintaining the intake of total dietary fat and calories decreases serum levels of total cholesterol and favorably modifies the lipoprotein profile in normal men. The long-term effects of walnut consumption and the extension of this finding to other population groups deserve further study.

  Mycoflora and mycotoxin of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) and walnut (Juglans regia L.) seeds in Egypt.:Zentralbl Mikrobiol. 1993 Mar;148(2):137-47.Abdel-Hafez AI, Saber SM.Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Sohag, Egypt.

 Fifty-one species and 3 varieties appertaining to 20 genera were collected from 20 samples of each of hazelnut and walnut seeds on glucose- and 40% (W/V) sucrose-Czapek's agar at 25 degrees C and 45 degrees C with the most common mesophiles were Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. herbarum, Penicillium chrysogenum, P. citrinum and P. oxalicum. Fusarium (represented by F. equiseti, F. moniliforme and F. oxysporum) was recovered from walnut seeds in moderate frequency (on glucose-Czapek's agar). Eurotium (E. amstelodami, E. chevalieri, E. repens and E. rubrum) was completely absent on glucose agar, but it was isolated in high frequency from the two types of seeds on 40% sucrose-Czapek's agar. Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizomucor pusillus were the most common thermophilic fungi in hazelnut and walnut seeds on glucose agar at 45 degrees C. Humicola grisea var. themoidae and Thermoascus aurantiacus were encountered rarely from walnuts. The nuts samples were assayed for natural occurrence of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2, citrinin, ochratoxin A, patulin, sterigmatocystin, zearalenone, T-2 toxin and diacetoxyscirpenol by thin layer chromatography analysis. Aflatoxin was detected in 90% of hazelnut samples (25-175 micrograms/kg) and 75% of walnut samples (15-25 micrograms/kg). Zearalenone was detected in one sample of walnut (125 micrograms/kg). This is the first report for the presence of zearalenone in walnut. The other mycotoxins were not detected.

  Endocrine environment of benign prostatic hyperplasia--relationships of sex steroid hormone levels with age and the size of the prostate.:

 To determine the influence of endocrine factors on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP), the levels of three sex steroid hormones i.e., total testosterone (Total-T), free testosterone (Free-T) and estradiol (E2), were measured in serum of healthy 154 men. Their ages ranged from 18 to 91 years old. In 59 men, prostatic size was estimated by digital examination and was subdivided into three groups: smaller than or equal to walnut size, small hen's egg size and equal to or larger than hen's egg size. Firstly, relationships of sex hormone levels with age were studied. There was a slight decrease in Total-T over 60 years old, a significant decrease in Free-T, and no change in E2 with age. Thus, E2/Total-T and E2/Free-T ratio increased significantly after middle-age. Secondly, relationships of hormone levels with prostatic size were studied. In the larger prostate group, a significantly lower level of Total-T and significantly higher level of E2 were detected. But there was no difference in Free-T. Thus, the prostatic size was correlated positively with E2 level, E2/Total-T and E2/Free-T ratio. These suggest that the endocrine environment tended to be estrogens-dominant with age, in particular, after middle-age, and that patients with large prostates have more estrogens-dominant environments. We conclude that estrogens are key hormones for the induction and the development of BPH.

  Black walnut (Juglans nigra) toxicosis: a model for equine laminitis.:J Comp Pathol. 1991 Apr;104(3):313-26.Galey FD, Whiteley HE, Goetz TE, Kuenstler AR, Davis CA, Beasley VR.Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana.

 Twelve light horse geldings developed laminitis within 8 to 12 h of being dosed by nasogastric tube with an aqueous extract of black walnut (Juglans nigra). Four of the 12 horses developed the severe signs of grade 3 laminitis (lame at a walk, refused to lift feet). Laminitis was accompanied by mild depression and limb oedema. There was no evidence of shock or colic. The horses developed neutropenia by 4 h after dosing with the extract, which shifted to a relative neutrophilia by 8 to 12 h. Minimal increases in plasma epinephrine and cortisol concentrations were suggested in severely affected horses. Severe laminitis was characterized by necrosis of dermal tips of dorsal primary epidermal laminae. A proliferative epithelial response in these laminae was distinguished by numerous mitotic figures and clusters of epithelial cells. This evidence suggests that black walnut toxicosis is not only a consistent clinical model, but is also a reliable clinico-pathological and pathological model for study of the pathogenesis and treatment of laminitis.

  Therapeutic effects of borneol-walnut oil in the treatment of purulent otitis media.:Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1990 Feb;10(2):93-5, 69. Chinese.Liu SL.First People's Hospital of Jining.

 170 patients were treated with borneol-walnut oil of various concentrations, and the controls (108 patients) were treated with neomycin compound. As a result, the total effective rates were 98.06% and 84.26% respectively (P less than 0.001). This indicated that the therapeutic effects of borneol-walnut oil for the treatment of purulent otitis media were superior to that of neomycin compound. The most optimal concentration of borneol-walnut oil was 20% through clinical and laboratory observations. Due to its simple composition, significant therapeutic effects and nontoxic reactions, the borneol-walnut oil has been proved a promising external remedy for the treatment of purulent otitis media.


  Obesity and cholecystectomy among women: implications for prevention.:Am J Prev Med. 1988 Nov-Dec;4(6):327-30.Petitti DB, Sidney S.Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, Oakland, California.

 Almost all studies of the association of body mass with the risk of gallbladder disease have found that risk increases with obesity. Some studies report a nonlinear relationship of body mass to gallbladder disease risk, and some report that the association of excess body mass with increased risk of gallbladder disease is confined to younger women. We examined the association of body mass with the risk of cholecystectomy based on data from 14 years of follow-up of 16,638 women. The cholecystectomy rate was much greater in the highest quintile of Quetelet's body mass index than in other quintiles. The striking association of high rates of cholecystectomy with the highest quintile of Quetelet's body mass index was observed in each age group studied. The low incidence of cholecystectomy in young, thin women made the relative risk of cholecystectomy in women in the fifth quintile of body mass highest in women under 25 years of age. The observation that cholecystectomy rates are not linearly associated with obesity suggests that women in the highest quintiles of body mass could be considered a reasonable group in which strategies for prevention of gallbladder disease might be tested.

 PIP: The Walnut Creek Contraceptive Drug Study which began in 1968 and ended in 1972, monitored 16,638 women as part of a multiphasic health checkup and collected information on oral contraceptive (OC) use; smoking, alcohol use; other habits, and family and medical histories. The number of women years was determined in each age and weight category. The rates of gallbladder disease were similarly calculated. The Cox proportional hazards model was utilized as implemented in the multivariate life table analyses. In addition, Quetelet's body mass index as a measure of obesity was applied. 16,240 women had an intact gallbladder; of these 432 were hospitalized with diagnosis of gallbladder disease. The diagnosis was confirmed in 423 women: 98% had cholelithiasis accompanied by pathologic evidence of cholecystitis. The gallbladder disease rate increased with age, with body mass index, and it was dramatically higher in women in the highest quintile of Quetelet's body mass index than in other quintiles at all ages. A nonlinear association of cholecystectomy with obesity persisted. At least 500,000 cholecystectomies are carried out in the US annually, and the risk is much higher in women in the uppermost quintile, thus it is reasonable to suggest that preventive efforts should focus on this group.

  Serotonin content of foods: effect on urinary excretion of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid.:Am J Clin Nutr. 1985 Oct;42(4):639-43.Feldman JM, Lee EM.

 Using a highly specific radioenzymatic assay we determined the serotonin concentration in 80 types of foods. The following fruits had a high serotonin concentration (mean +/- SEM) expressed in micrograms/g weight: plantain 30.3 +/- 7.5; pineapple 17.0 +/- 5.1; banana 15.0 +/- 2.4; Kiwi fruit 5.8 +/- 0.9; plums 4.7 +/- 0.8; and tomatoes 3.2 +/- 0.6. Only nuts in the walnut or hickory family had a high serotonin concentration expressed in micrograms/g weight; butternuts 398 +/- 90; black walnuts 304 +/- 46; English walnuts 87 +/- 20; shagbark hickory nuts 143 +/- 23; mockernut hickory nuts 67 +/- 13; pecans 29 +/- 4; and sweet pignuts 25 +/- 8. Ingestion of these fruits and nuts resulted in an increase in urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid excretion with no change in platelet serotonin concentration. The above foods should not be eaten while a urine is being collected for 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid analysis.

  Glyceride structure of fats. 11. Structure studies on selected nut fats using lipases:Nahrung. 1978;22(3):351-4. German.Franzke C, Kroll J, G?bel R.

 Using pancreatic lipase of Geotrichum candidum, the authors determined the fatty acid pattern and the glyceride structure of peanut, filbert, walnut, Brazil nut and cashew-nut fats. Both the fatty acid pattern and the glyceride structure were comparable to those of other vegetable fats of corresponding total fatty acid composition.


  Scientific References:

  1.Research Update:Walnut