Chemical characterization and antimicrobial activity of Juglans nigra L. nut and green husk

Juglans nigra (Black walnut) is a source of health-supporting biologically active compounds used in traditional medicine. The investigation of bioactive compounds in black walnut could lead to its broader application, as well as to the application of its by-products. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize J. nigra nut and green husk based on chemical analysis of their petroleum ether and ethanol extracts obtained by ultrasonic and reflux extraction methods, respectively. Different extract fractions were tested for their antimicrobial activities using Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), Gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus) and yeast (reference strain and clinical isolates of Candida albicans). The ethanol extracts analysis, performed by high performance liquid chromatography, singled out the ellagic acid as the most dominant compound in nut ((55.0 +/- 1.3)x10(-3) kg m(-3)) and green husk ((114.1 +/- 0.5)x10(-3) kg m(-3)) extracts. Non-polar compounds were evaluated using gas chromatography analysis of petroleum ether extracts. Juglans nigra nut and green husk contained two saturated fatty acids, palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0), then, monounsaturated fatty acids, palmitoleic (C16:1n-7), oleic (C18:1n-9) and vaccenic acid (C18:1n-7), as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic (C18:2n-6), gamma-linolenic (C18:3n-6) and alpha-linolenic (C18:3n-3) acids. Ethanol extracts of both J. nigra nut and green husk showed antimicrobial activity against C. albicans, which is the most common cause of yeast infections.

Automated summary

The study found that ellagic acid is the main compound in black walnut, and the ethanol extracts of black walnut have antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans.