Antitussive, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Septum Extract Rich in Bioactive Compounds

Abstract

The antitussive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of a walnut (Juglans regia L.) septum extract (WSE), rich in bioactive compounds were investigated using the citric acid aerosol-induced cough experimental model in rodents. Wistar male rats were treated orally for three days with distilled water (control), codeine (reference), and WSE in graded doses. On the third day, all rats were exposed to citric acid aerosols, the number of coughs being recorded. Each animal was sacrificed after exposure, and blood and lung tissue samples were collected for histopathological analysis and the assessment of oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. The results of the experiment showed a significant antitussive effect of WSE, superior to codeine. This activity could be due to cellular protective effect and anti-inflammatory effect via the stimulation of the antioxidant enzyme system and the decrease of IL-6 and CXC-R1 concentration in the lung tissue of WSE-treated animals. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of WSE were confirmed by biochemical assays and histopathological analysis. This is the first scientific study reporting the antitussive effect of walnut septum, a new potential source of non-opioid antitussive drug candidates, and a valuable bioactive by-product that could be used in the treatment of respiratory diseases.

Amelioration of Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Asthma by Juglans regia via Downregulation of Inflammatory Cytokines and Upregulation of Aquaporin-1 and Aquaporin-5 in Mice

“…Antitussive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potentials of J. regia have been well documented in the rodent cough model [ 18 ]. We also have shown previously that J. regia significantly reduced lung wet/dry weight ratio, IgE antibodies, and inflammatory cells count in both blood and BALF in asthmatic mice [ 19 ].…”

Probing the antioxidant potential of Juglans regia (walnut) against arthritis‐induced oxidative stress in Sprague Dawley rats

“…Walnuts demonstrate substantial reduction in oxidative stress, as indicated by the decreased levels of ROS, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation (Kim & Choi, 2020). Moreover, walnuts (phytochemical) exhibit antioxidative potential by activation of Nrf‐2 cellular pathway that initiates the expression and synthesis of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (Fizesan et al., 2021). Walnuts plays a protective role in hepatic injury through inhibition of NF‐κB pathway and reduction in pro‐inflammatory cytokines production, ultimately reducing oxidative stress (Shimoda et al., 2008).…”

The Role of Vitamin K in Humans: Implication in Aging and Age-Associated Diseases

“…They act as cellular redox mediators generating ROS and inducing apoptosis by mitochondrial pathway [197]. Combining VK3 with other molecules sharing structural similarity, such as plumbagin and juglone, naturally occurring naphthoquinones found in polyphenol-rich Juglans regia [198], or with vitamins or drugs that also function through modulation of intracellular redox states could potentiate the antitumor effects [199,200].…”