Evidence supporting the use of: Black walnut
For the health condition: Fungal Infections

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Black walnut (Juglans nigra) has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine, particularly in North America, for treating various skin conditions and infections, including those caused by fungi. The hulls of black walnut contain several bioactive compounds, most notably juglone, which is thought to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Traditional herbalists have used black walnut preparations topically for athlete’s foot, ringworm, and other fungal skin infections, and sometimes internally for purported systemic fungal issues such as candida, although internal use is less common due to potential toxicity concerns.

The evidence supporting black walnut's antifungal effects is mostly anecdotal or based on in vitro laboratory studies. Some laboratory research has shown that juglone and extracts from black walnut hulls can inhibit the growth of certain fungal species, including Trichophyton (responsible for athlete’s foot) and Candida albicans. However, these findings have not been robustly translated into clinical trials in humans, and there is little to no high-quality, peer-reviewed clinical data confirming its safety or efficacy for treating fungal infections in people.

In summary, the use of black walnut for fungal infections is primarily justified by tradition, with some weak laboratory evidence to support possible antifungal activity. Caution is warranted, especially with internal use, due to the potential for toxicity.

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