Antihypertriglyceridemic effect of walnut oil

Hyperlipidemia is an important modifiable risk factor of coronary heart diseases. So far, several studies, have indicated the beneficial effects of nuts on plasma lipid profile. Previously, in a pilot study the authors have shown that administration of 20 g/day of Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) for 8 weeks could decrease plasma triglyceride (TG) concentration by 17% (p value < 0.05). Walnut also increased the plasma HDL-cholesterol level markedly (p value < 0.05). To make the measurements more reliable and to avoid the unwanted walnut side effects (eg, rash, pruritus), this randomized, double blind case-control study was conducted to evaluate the lipid-lowering effect of Persian walnut oil in the population of southern Iran. Sixty hyperlipidemic subjects were randomized into 2 groups; group A patients (n = 29) received walnut oil encapsulated in 500 mg capsules, 3 g/day, for 45 days. Group B patients (n = 31) received placebo and served as the control group. Lipid profiles of both groups were checked before; on days 15, 30, and 45 after the beginning; and 15 days after termination of the study. Plasma TG concentrations decreased by 19% to 33% of baseline in group A patients (p value < 0.05). No statistically significant change was observed in other measured parameters. It was concluded that walnut oil is a good antihypertriglyceridemic natural remedy and should be further explored in more detail.