Age Ayurveda Nighantu

Akshotaka

Juglans regia L.

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 nameJuglans regia L.
FamilyJuglandaceae
OrderFagales
Pharmacopoeia statusNot 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
Taxon identifiersGBIF 3054368 · Wikidata Q46871 · NCBI Taxonomy 51240

Names and identification

LanguageName
EnglishAkshotaka
Latin/BotanicalJuglans regia L.

Key Phytochemical Constituents

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 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 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 and cognitive benefits validated through clinical studies showing walnut consumption improves memory and cognitive function in elderly populations

What do recent clinical trials show?

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). ALA conversion to EPA/DHA is limited (5-10%) but direct walnut matrix enhances overall polyphenol absorption. 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

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 for cognitive support (synergistic neuroprotection)
  • With Ashwagandha for adaptogenic and brain health
  • With Kesar (saffron) for mood and cognitive enhancement
  • With honey and ghee for Rasayana (rejuvenation) therapy

Published research

Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.

Other clinical studies and reviews6

  1. 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)Food science & nutrition. PMID 41179368 · doi:10.1002/fsn3.71081
  2. Bhat AA, Shakeel A, Rafiq S and others. 2023. Juglans regia Linn.: A Natural Repository of Vital Phytochemical and Pharmacological CompoundsLife (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 36836737 · doi:10.3390/life13020380
  3. Croitoru A, Ficai D, Craciun L and others. 2019. Evaluation and Exploitation of Bioactive Compounds of Walnut, Juglans regiaCurrent pharmaceutical design. PMID 30931854 · doi:10.2174/1381612825666190329150825
  4. Jahanban-Esfahlan A, Amarowicz R. 2018. Walnut (Juglans regia L.) shell pyroligneous acid: chemical constituents and functional applicationsRSC advances. PMID 35539719 · doi:10.1039/c8ra03684e
  5. Delaviz H, Mohammadi J, Ghalamfarsa G and others. 2017. A Review Study on Phytochemistry and Pharmacology Applications of Juglans Regia PlantPharmacognosy reviews. PMID 28989250 · doi:10.4103/phrev.phrev_10_17
  6. Panth N, Paudel KR, Karki R. 2016. Phytochemical profile and biological activity of Juglans regiaJournal of integrative medicine. PMID 27641607 · doi:10.1016/S2095-4964(16)60274-1

Laboratory and animal studies6

  1. 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 MiceJournal of tropical medicine. PMID 40421046 · doi:10.1155/jotm/6976932
  2. Awadallah A, Hasan Al-Nadaf A. 2023. Topical Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Bioengineered Juglans regia L. Silver NanoparticlesPakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS. PMID 38044699 · doi:10.3923/pjbs.2023.493.503
  3. Đorđević T, Đurović-Pejčev R, Stevanović M and others. 2022. Phytotoxicity and allelopathic potential of Juglans regia L. leaf extractFrontiers in plant science. PMID 36275528 · doi:10.3389/fpls.2022.986740
  4. Żurek N, Pycia K, Pawłowska A and others. 2022. Phytochemical Screening and Bioactive Properties of Juglans regia L. PollenAntioxidants (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 36290769 · doi:10.3390/antiox11102046
  5. Żurek N, Pawłowska A, Pycia K and others. 2022. Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antiproliferative Activity of Juglans regia L. Male FlowersMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 35566113 · doi:10.3390/molecules27092762
  6. Besrour N, Oludemi T, Mandim F and others. 2022. Valorization of Juglans regia Leaves as Cosmeceutical Ingredients: Bioactivity Evaluation and Final Formulation DevelopmentAntioxidants (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 35453361 · doi:10.3390/antiox11040677

Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.

Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.