Effects of Walnuts (Juglans regia) on Learning and Memory Functions

Haider, Saida; Batool, Zehra; Tabassum, Saiqa; Perveen, Tahira; Saleem, Sadia; Naqvi, Fizza; Javed, Huma; Haleem, Darakhshan Jabeen

doi:10.1007/s11130-011-0260-2

Cited by 45 publications

(28 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…Our findings suggested that WP improved learning and memory functions mainly via decreasing body weight, hypercholesterolemia and oxidative demage. In addition, several evidence have confirmed that walnut may be beneficial in guarding against learning and memory impairment [17,18]. Collectively, our results provided an important basis on the prevention and treatment of learning and memory impairment.…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 68%

“…Walnut has an abundant of significant nutrients that seem to have potential effects on human health [16]. Experimental studies found that a walnut diet could improve learning and memory functions [17,18].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Walnut is rich in polyphenols and contains numerous ellagitannins [25,26], walnut polyphenol not only has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity but improves interneuronal signaling and increases neurogenesis [27,28]. In order to continue the previous research [17,29], this research work was designed to determine whether treatment with walnut polyphenol could restore the memory impairment in hypercholesterolemia mice.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects of Walnut Polyphenol on Learning and Memory Functions in Hypercholesterolemia Mice

Shi¹,

Chen²,

Zhao³

et al. 2014

JFNR

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Evidence suggests that dietary walnuts are able to induce improvements in memory and learning functions. In addition, polyphenols have been shown to modulate critical neuronal signalling pathways involved in processes of learning and memory. The aim of our present work was to study the effect of polyphenol extracts from walnut testa (42%) on learning and memory functions in hypercholesterolemia mice based on obesity, hypercholesterolemia and oxidative stress. At the beginning of the experiment, mice were divided into 3 groups, one of them served as normol control group (NCG), the second as hypercholesterolemia control group (HCG), the last as walnut polyphenol-treated group (WTG). After 8 weeks of treatment, we investigated the performance of C57BL/6J mice in Morris water maze test. The results showed that the escape latency was significant increase in HCG, when compared to NCG and WTG. In addition, the number of crossings was significant decrease in HCG, when compared to NCG and WTG (-47.35% and -43.35%, respectively, P < 0.01). The swimming distance was longer in HCG than NCG and WTG [F (2,96) = 44.45, P < 0.001]. However, there was no significant difference in swimming speed among NCG, HCG and WTG [F (2, 96) = 0.167, P > 0.05]. On the other hand, walnut polyphenol (WP) significantly decreased serum total triglycerides, cholesterol and malondialdehyde (MDA) level (-36.31%, -31.48% and -21.51%, respectively, P < 0.01) and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (+48.39%, P < 0.01). Administration of WP significantly decreased MDA level (-36.86%, P < 0.01) and increased SOD activity (+17.08%, P < 0.01) in brain tissues. In conclusion, walnut polyphenol was able to improve learning and memory functions.

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 68%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Effects of Walnut Polyphenol on Learning and Memory Functions in Hypercholesterolemia Mice

Shi¹,

Chen²,

Zhao³

et al. 2014

JFNR

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“…Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated vascular benefits of nuts (e.g., lipid lowering effects (21), improved inflammatory markers (22), decreased insulin resistance (22), and improved endothelial function (23)), which all appear to contribute to improved cognitive function (24). Additionally, while most nuts are high in monounsaturated fatty acids, walnuts are unique because they are composed largely of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially ALA, and studies have shown that rodents given diets rich in α – linolenic acid have improved learning and memory (25). …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Long-term intake of nuts in relation to cognitive function in older women

O’Brien

Okereke

Devore

et al. 2014

The Journal of nutrition, health and aging

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Objective Nuts contain nutrients that may benefit brain health; thus, we examined long-term intake of nuts in relation to cognition in older women. Design Population-based prospective cohort study. Setting Academic research using data from the Nurses’ Health Study. Participants Nut intake was assessed in a food-frequency questionnaire beginning in1980, and approximately every four years thereafter. Between 1995–2001, 16,010 women age 70 or older (mean age = 74 years) without a history of stroke were administered 4 repeated telephone-based cognitive interviews over 6 years. Our final sample included 15,467 women who completed an initial cognitive interview and had complete information on nut intake. Main Outcome Measures The Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS), a global score averaging the results of all tests (TICS, immediate and delayed verbal recall, category fluency, and attention), and a verbal memory score averaging the results of tests of verbal recall. Results In multivariable-adjusted linear regression models, higher long-term total nut intake was associated with better average cognitive status for all cognitive outcomes. For the global composite score combining all tests, women consuming at least 5 servings of nuts/week had higher scores than non-consumers (mean difference=0.08 standard units, 95% confidence interval 0.00–0.15; p-trend=0.003). This mean difference of 0.08 is equivalent to the mean difference we find between women 2 years apart in age. Long-term intake of nuts was not associated with rates of cognitive decline. Conclusions Higher nut intake may be related to better overall cognition at older ages, and could be an easily-modifiable public health intervention.

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“…According to the US Department of Agriculture Nutrient Database, walnuts have a protein content of 26.1 g/100 g of raw walnut (5).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%