Evidence supporting the use of: Walnut
For the health condition: Depression
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Walnut (Juglans regia) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and Persian medicine, where it has been recommended for promoting brain health and emotional well-being. The use of walnuts for depression is primarily based on the belief that their nutrient content—especially omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and polyphenols—can support brain function and mood. While walnuts are indeed rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3, and have antioxidant properties, direct traditional claims for treating "depression" as a clinical entity are limited. Instead, they are generally used to support mental clarity, reduce stress, and promote overall vitality.
Scientific studies on walnuts and depression are sparse and mostly observational. Some epidemiological research suggests that higher nut consumption, including walnuts, is associated with lower prevalence of depressive symptoms; however, these studies are correlational and cannot establish causation. There are a few small clinical trials suggesting that diets enriched with nuts may have a modest beneficial effect on mood, but walnuts alone have not been rigorously studied as a stand-alone treatment for depression. Thus, the evidence base is weak, and most support for their use is traditional rather than scientifically validated. Walnuts may support general brain health, but they should not be relied upon as a primary therapy for depression.
Other ingredients used for Depression
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)acetyl l-carnitine
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
amino acids
anchovies
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
basil
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium longum
black tea
Indian frankincense
bасора
caffeine
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
Chinese salvia root
choline
citicoline
clove
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
curcumin
damiana
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eleuthero
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
folate
gardenia
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
green tea
hemp oil
Indian tinospora
inositol
jujube
krill oil
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-carnosine
l-glycine
l-methionine
l-phenylalanine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
liquid liver fractions
luteolin
maca
mackerel
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
matcha
melatonin
moringa
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
phenolic acids
phosphatidylserine
phospholipids
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
pomegranate
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
protein
butyric acid
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rhodiola
rose oil
rosemary
saffron
sage
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sardines
sceletium
selenium
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
sphaeranthus indicus
spirulina
tongkat ali
almond fruit
valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
whey protein
zinc
suma
gastrodia
mugwort
alpinia galangal
commiphora
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
peony
lingzhi
lemongrass
kanna
cistanche
dodder
morinda
royal jelly
polyphenols
trace minerals
St. John's Wort
yerba mate
hypothalamus
cocoa
thyroid substance
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Arginine Creatine
Ardisia
Angelica
Apigenin
Albizia
Agmatine
Agarwood
Alpha lactalbumin
Asteracea
Algal protein
Aniracetam
Amor seco
Betony
Baikal Skullcap
Broussonetia
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Biopterin
Butea monosperma
Beef liver
Bacopin
Brahmi
Bacopa
Bee products
bacoside
Baicalin
Black Hellebore
Biogenic amine
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Caryophyllene
Common Monkey Flower
Crocin
Clary sage
Catalpol
Codonopsis
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Curcumen
Cymbopogon Martini
Centella asiatica
Chocolate
Creatine
Curcuma
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
cola nut
Canscora
Cannabichromene
Docosahexaenoic Acid
D-phenylalanine
DHEA
Devil's Club
Dopamine
Egg
Eicosatetraenoic acid
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Estrogen
Folic Acid
Flavonoids
Glycine
jasmine
Little ironweed
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Phenylethylamine (PEA)
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut
yohimbine
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by walnut
Alzheimer's DiseaseArteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatty Liver Disease
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Heart (weakness)
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Pain (general remedies for)
Psoriasis
Triglycerides (high)
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores
Wrinkles