Juglans Regia (Walnut Tree) Bark in Dentistry

Abstract

Juglans regia, commonly known as the Walnut tree, is a type of a deciduous tree. The tree has many important parts, the seed, bark, husk, leaves, oil, shell of the fruit and the kernel. The plant has been used in its crude form since ages. The kernel holds nutritional value. The leaves contain an essential oil which is extracted and used. The husk contains steroids and vitamins amongst other useful compounds. The leaves are used topically as antipyretic, analgesic, antidandruff and to heal burns. The bark is tough and has been used for mechanical tooth cleaning due to its tough fibrous texture. It contains Juglone as its main and most important constituent. Juglone works as an anti-viral, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancerous agent. In dentistry it poses as an effective anti-plaque, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-cariogenic and tooth whitening material. It was concluded that in recent years, scientists and researchers have shown increasing interest towards the in depth understanding of the chemicals and compounds of the bark and its utilization in dental products towards improving dental treatment. The author would like to thank ORIC, Khyber Medical University for assistance in publication Reference No: KMU/ORIC/AR/005.

A comprehensive review on ethnobotanical, medicinal and nutritional potential of walnut (Juglans regia L.)

“…The use of natural antimicrobial compounds in food preservatives is preferred over chemical preservatives to avoid their side effects in food and hence increase antibiotic resistance. So, various walnut plant parts extract and juglone is used against microbial infections and these extracts are used in pharmaceutics (Khattak et al 2022 ).…”

“…In dentistry, it is considered as an effective anti-plaque, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-cariogenic and tooth whitening material. In recent years, scientists and researchers have shown an increasing interest in studying the chemicals and compounds in bark, and using it in dental products to improve dental care (Khattak et al 2022 ). Walnut fruit green husk extract obtained was reported as suitable natural hair dyeing agent and showed maximum antimicrobial activity compared with modern semi-synthetic and commercial hair dyes.…”

Whitening Effect of Juglans regia Dry Husk Extract on Primary and Permanent Teeth

“…J. regia contains juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-napthoquinone), which is a chemical compound found predominantly in green husk and known as a toothwhitening material [19]. Te husk contains steroids and vitamins amongst other useful compounds, and the bark of this tree is tough and has been used for mechanical tooth cleaning due to its tough fbrous texture [20]. A change in the surface roughness of the enamel afects the lightness and green-red axis of tooth colour; when the surface is smooth, the colour is light [21].…”

Comparison of the Anti-Plaque Effect of Miswak (Salvadora Persica) and Dandasa (Juglan Regia) on gingival health

“…Another study by Palwasha Khattak emphasized the benefits of Juglanregia (Walnut Tree) as a anitimicrobial, anti biofilm, anti fungal and anti viral properties. Although it removes stains but it may leave red stains on gingiva after use 28 .…”