Walnut oil is extracted from walnut kernels (Juglans regia Linne) or iron walnut kernels (Juhlans sigillata Dode). The percentage of oil in walnuts is 52%–70%. The main constituents in oil are fatty acids, phenols, sterols, squalene, melatonin, vitamins, and minerals. Many extraction methods such as supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, maceration, modified “bligh and dyer extraction,” aqueous enzymatic extraction, ultrasonic extraction, soxhlet extraction, and cold‐press extraction methods are reported in the literature. Walnut oil showed anti‐inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, and antihyperlipidemic activities. The reported data in the literature suggest that walnut oil has many health benefits. This review summarizes the extraction methods, bioactive constituents, health benefits, and pharmacological actions of walnut oil. Practical applications Walnut oil is a natural vegetable oil of significant importance due to their nutritional, and intelligence‐boosting benefits. Several factors, including the processing parameters and the phytochemical profile, affect walnut oil products’ flavor and color. In addition, storage environment of walnut oil can also affect walnut oil quality. Apart from the predominant ingredient fatty acids, the chemical composition of walnut oil comprises phenols, sterols, squalene, melatonin, vitamins, and minerals. These bioactive compounds are of potential value owing to their health‐promoting benefits, including antioxidant, antitumor, and cholesterol‐lowering effects. Many chemical constituents were isolated from walnut oil; however, all the compounds are not explored for their possible medicinal value. Thus, clinical studies, exploration of the therapeutic potential and the molecular mechanisms of all the compounds, and development of convenient dosage forms either for therapeutic or functional food purposes are warranted.
Background:Pheretima aspergillum (common name: Earthworm, Chinese name: dilong) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Recently, a few scientific studies have investigated the antifibrotic effects of Dilong extract (DE) and produced controversial results. We conducted a meta-analysis to make an informed decision on the antifibrotic effects of Dilong extract.Methods: The studies on antifibrotic effects of Dilong extract published until July 2022 in the scientific databases [PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, SinoMed and WanFang database] were reviewed. The RevMan 5.4.1 software was used for standardized mean difference (SMD) analysis. Two researchers independently reviewed all the studies, and their quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.Results: A total of 325 studies were found in the scientific databases; however, only 13 studies met the criteria for analysis. Dilong extract treatment was associated with antifibrotic effects via inhibiting the transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1, SMD = −3.16, 95% CI: −4.18, −2.14, p < .00001) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA: SMD = −2.57, 95% CI: −3.47, −1.66, p < .00001).Conclusion: Dilong extract effectively reduces tissue fibrosis; thus, further scientific studies should be conducted to investigate and develop it for clinical use.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022357141.
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