Black walnut extract - adverse effects... Black walnut and parasites

The black walnut (Juglans nigra) is a North American plant. Due to its exceptional hardness, it is rarely used in the food industry. It is most commonly found as an extract derived from the green husk of the walnut. For centuries, it has been used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective agent. Its popularity has grown due to the advocacy of the late Canadian alternative medicine practitioner, Dr. Clark. She believed that the green husk of the black walnut aids in parasite elimination and may contribute to cancer treatment.

Black walnut contains juglon, a compound with poorly documented antiparasitic effects. The safety of black walnut extract is questioned due to its potential toxicity to the human body. No clinical trials in humans have confirmed its efficacy against parasites. However, animal studies suggest its activity against various parasite groups, though these results cannot be directly applied to humans.

Various plants growing near black walnuts, including potatoes, tomatoes, and apples, exhibit adverse effects such as yellowing, desiccation, and even wilting. This phenomenon is attributed to juglone, a compound found in the roots of the plant. It is noteworthy that juglone concentrations in the roots are significantly higher than in other parts of the nut. Given juglone's toxicity to plants and reports of its detrimental effects on animals, it cannot be ruled out that consuming black walnut extract may pose health risks to humans. Additionally, nuts are potent allergens, which may trigger allergic reactions, including dermatitis. In traditional medicine, black walnut shells were used only as poultices, not as oral extracts. Before using such a preparation, it is advisable to consider the potential risks, as not all its effects are fully understood. Taking the extract may prove more harmful than beneficial.