Summary

Black Walnut is used in western herbalism primarily as an antimicrobial herb, and in particular as an anti-parasitic. Research shows it contains naphthoquinones (e.g. juglone) that can disrupt various metabolic pathways in a variety of micro-organisms. Research supports its antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Indications

Green husk of the nuts and leaves produce napthoquinones that have antimicrobial and anticancer actions, likely through disrupting oxidative phosphorylation.

Infection
• bacterial
- H. Pylori
- tuberculosis
• fungal - candida- dermatophytes
• worms
• roundworms
• pinworms
• parasites (Leishmaniasis)

Gastrointestinal
• chronic constipation

Cancer
• various cancers
• leukemia

Actions

• Antimicrobial
• antibacterial
• Antiviral
• Antiparasitic
• Astringent
• Anthelmintic
• Vermifuge
• Anticancer
• Bitter
• Laxative

Constituents

• Naphthaquinones (E.g. Juglone, Plumbagin )

Posology

• Tincture: 1-2 ml tid

Safety

• Pregnancy & Lactation • contra-indicated. Likely unsafe and insufficent research available.

Interactions

- Iron supplements • may reduce the absorption of non-heme iron. Take iron supplements a few hours apart.

• Blood thinners • black walnut may affect the blood's ability to clot, and could interfere with antiplatel

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002