Walnut Polyphenol

Hepatoprotective & Anti-oxidative Extract for Metabolic Syndrome*

 Recently, there is an increased awareness on metabolic syndrome – a condition characterized by a group of metabolic risk factors in one person. They include abdominal obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, insulin resistance, prothrombotic state & proinflammatory state. The dominant underlying risk factors appear to be abdominal obesity and insulin resistance. In addition, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most associated “liver” manifestation of metabolic syndrome which can progress to advance liver disease (e.g. cirrhosis) with associated morbidity and mortality. Lifestyle therapies such as weight loss significantly improve all aspects of metabolic syndrome, as well as reducing progression of NAFLD and cardiovascular mortality.

Walnut (Juglans regia L. seed) is one the most popular nuts consumed in the world. It is loaded in polyunsaturated fatty acids – linoleic acid (LA), oleic acid and -linolenic acid (ALA), an Omega 3 fatty acid. It has been used since ancient times and epidemiological studies have revealed that incorporating walnuts in a healthy diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Recent investigations reported that walnut diet improves the function of blood vessels and lower serum cholesterol. Nevertheless, walnut is rich in micronutrients (vitamins & minerals), plant sterols and polyphenols.*

A joint research project was conducted between Oryza Oil & Fat Chemical Co., Ltd. and Pola Chemical Industries, Inc. to study the physiological effects of testa of walnut. Various hydrolysable polyphenolic compounds were identified which are potent antioxidants and liver protective. Correspondingly, Walnut Polyphenol is believed to be beneficial in the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Walnut Polyphenols was also shown to be more superior than Curcumin, a commonly used hepatoprotective agent, when measuring reduction of damaging liver enzymes.*