09/05/2018 / By Michelle Simmons
Research has found that English walnut (Juglans regia L.) leaf can prevent and treat peripheral neuropathy, one of the most common chronic complications of diabetes that affect all peripheral nerves. In the study, which was published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the therapeutic effects of the English walnut leaf extract against diabetic neuropathy in mice were investigated.
The study was conducted by a team of researchers from Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences and Lorestan University of Medical Sciences in Iran who induced diabetic peripheral neuropathy by injecting streptozotocin in mice.
To evaluate the effects of the English walnut leaf extract, the research team administered the English walnut leaf extract before or after the development of neuropathy to a subgroup of the streptozotocin-induced mice; who were also given isotonic saline every day.
Based on the results, the streptozotocin caused the degeneration of the sciatic nerve, the largest and longest nerve, in mice. However, this degeneration was attenuated after the treatment of the English walnut leaf extract.
Moreover, the expressions of caspase-3, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) also decreased after the treatment of the English walnut leaf extract. The treatment also reduced blood sugar levels and reduced lipid peroxidation and nociceptive response. In addition, it enhanced antioxidant status in the sciatic nerve of diabetic rats. These results indicated that the English walnut leaf extract improved the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
Thus, the research team concluded that the English walnut leaf extract can prevent and improve peripheral diabetic neuropathy because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties.
The English walnut is the most common variety of walnut. Walnuts, in general, are healthy as they contain many healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some of the health benefits that walnuts offer:
Walnuts can also support weight control, promote healthy aging, enhance brain function, support male reproductive health, and improve blood fats. Moreover, walnuts are widely available and can easily be added to your diet. Walnuts can be simply eaten as a snack, added to salads, dips, sauces, dressings, and many other dishes.
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Tagged Under: alternative medicine, diabetes, diabetes prevention, diabetic, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, English walnut, English walnut leaf, herbal medicine, Herbs, natural cures, natural healing, natural medicine, natural remedies, neuropathy, Walnuts