# Akshotaka > Akshotaka (Juglans regia L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Juglandaceae family. Not specifically listed in WHO monographs on medicinal plants; recognized by WHO/FAO as an important nutritional food source; European Pharmacopoeia includes monograph for Juglans regia leaf. ## Key facts - **Botanical name:** Juglans regia L. - **Family:** Juglandaceae - **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not specifically listed in WHO monographs on medicinal plants; recognized by WHO/FAO as an important nutritional food source; European Pharmacopoeia includes monograph for Juglans regia leaf ## Names and identification | Language | Name | |----------|------| | English | Akshotaka | | Latin/Botanical | *Juglans regia L.* | ## Key Phytochemical Constituents - Juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) - Ellagic acid - Gallic acid - [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) - Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) - Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol) - Juglonol - Tellimagrandin I and II - [Catechin](/reference/catechin/) - [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/) ## How does it work? - Juglone induces apoptosis in cancer cells through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial membrane depolarization, activating caspase-3 and caspase-9 pathways - Ellagic acid and gallic acid [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols) inhibit NF-kB signaling and reduce COX-2/LOX expression, providing anti-inflammatory effects validated in multiple in vivo models - Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) reduces serum LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides via upregulation of hepatic LDL receptors and inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, supporting cardiovascular protection ## Which traditional uses are supported by research? - [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) effects validated through clinical and preclinical studies showing improved glycemic control consistent with traditional Ayurvedic use of Akshotaka for Prameha (diabetes) - Anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties confirmed through in vitro and in vivo studies supporting traditional topical application of walnut bark and leaf preparations - [Neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) and cognitive benefits validated through clinical studies showing walnut consumption improves memory and cognitive function in elderly populations ## What do recent clinical trials show? - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar M, Rashki M, Boskabady MH 2025. [A Review of Antioxidant Activity, Anti-Inflammatory Properties, Apoptosis-Regulatory Effects, and Immune System Modulation of Juglans regia L. (Walnut)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41179368/). *Food science & nutrition*. PMID [41179368](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41179368/) · [doi:10.1002/fsn3.71081](https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.71081) Walnut phytochemical profile contributes to therapeutic potential in combating oxidative stress and inflammation, regulating apoptosis and immune responses through multiple molecular pathways. - Arshed N, Shabbir A, Khan HM and others 2025. [Juglans regia L. (Walnut) Leaf Extract Ameliorates Pulmonary Edema Against Airway Inflammation via Upregulation of Tight Junction Proteins and Heme Oxygenase-1 in the Lungs of Asthmatic Mice](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40421046/). *Journal of tropical medicine*. PMID [40421046](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40421046/) · [doi:10.1155/jotm/6976932](https://doi.org/10.1155/jotm/6976932) Walnut leaf extract reduced pulmonary edema in asthmatic mice by upregulating tight junction proteins (claudin-1, occludin) and heme oxygenase-1, demonstrating anti-inflammatory airway protection. *1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.* ## Recent safety updates - Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for dietary consumption; walnut allergy (IgE-mediated) is a significant concern affecting approximately 1-2% of the population in Western countries - Juglone in bark and green husk may cause contact dermatitis and skin staining; topical preparations require careful concentration limits - No significant herb-drug interactions documented at standard dietary doses; high doses of walnut leaf preparations should be avoided in pregnancy due to limited safety data ## Dosage forms and preparation **Dosage Forms:** Churna (kernel powder), Taila (walnut oil), Capsule, Lehyam (confection), Topical oil **Standard Dosage:** 3-6g kernel powder twice daily; 5-10ml oil internally; 1-2 walnut kernels daily as dietary supplement **Bioavailability:** Good bioavailability for lipid-soluble constituents (omega-3 ALA, [tocopherols](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#tocopherols)). ALA conversion to EPA/DHA is limited (5-10%) but direct walnut matrix enhances overall polyphenol absorption. [Ellagitannins](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#ellagitannins) are hydrolyzed to ellagic acid and then metabolized to urolithins by gut microbiota — urolithin bioavailability varies with individual microbiome composition (metabotype A vs B). **Optimal Timing:** With meals or as snack. Oil taken in morning on empty stomach for general health. Kernel powder with warm milk at bedtime for brain nourishment. **Standardized Extract:** Oil: standardized to minimum 8% alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), minimum 0.5% tocopherols. Kernel extract (4:1) standardized to minimum 3% ellagic acid equivalent. **Shelf Life:** 6 months (shelled kernels); 1 year (oil, cold-pressed, sealed); 2 years (capsules with antioxidant protection); 18 months (powder) **Storage:** Kernels and powder in airtight containers, refrigerated or below 15°C. Oil in amber glass, nitrogen-flushed headspace, refrigerated after opening. Protect from heat, light, and oxygen. **Marker Compounds:** Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), Ellagic acid, Juglone (hull), Gallic acid, Tellimagrandin, Gamma-tocopherol, [Pedunculagin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#pedunculagin) ### Extraction Methods - Cold pressing for oil (yield 55-65%) - Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30) for polyphenol enrichment - Supercritical CO2 for oil extraction (preserves tocopherols) - Aqueous extraction of hull/pericarp for juglone-rich fraction ### Synergistic Combinations - With [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) for cognitive support (synergistic neuroprotection) - With [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) for [adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) and brain health - With Kesar ([saffron](/herb/saffron/)) for mood and cognitive enhancement - With honey and ghee for [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) (rejuvenation) therapy --- Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/akshotaka/ ## Sources - Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0) - Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases) - Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice. Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.