Almond as a nutraceutical and therapeutic agent in Persian medicine and modern phytotherapy: A narrative review

Abstract

Sweet almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb) is a known nut, which has long been used in several ethnomedical systems, especially in Persian medicine (PM) for its nutritional and therapeutic activities. In this study, we aimed to provide a summary on traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of sweet almond.Thus, we reviewed textbooks of PM and electronic literature on traditional medicine.Moreover, the available data on the usage of sweet almond were searched in electronic databases to find articles on its pharmacological properties and phytochemistry. According to phytochemical investigations, this plant contains macronutrients, micronutrients, essential oils, various phenolic compounds, and phytosterols. Current pharmacological studies represent that Prunus dulcis has several biological activities including prebiotic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cardiometabolic protection, nootropic, anxiolytic, sedative-hypnotic, and nervous-improving effects. Further clinical trials and meta-analysis are required to draw a definitive conclusion on the efficacy and therapeutic activities of almond.

Almond By-Products: Valorization for Sustainability and Competitiveness of the Industry

“…Recent studies have pointed at the polyphenols from almond and its by-products as the major antimicrobial agents found on these matrices, which has been reported for different bacterial, fungal, and viral species (Table 3) [9]. In fact, the antimicrobial activity of almond has been assessed, indicating its high diversification, especially attributed to skins, but also hulls and blanch water [39].…”

“…As observed for antioxidant activity, the anticancer properties associated with almond and its by-products has been assessed by both in vitro and in vivo studies (Table 3), as a consequence of the plethora of bioactive compounds found on these matrices, especially polyphenols; acid-soluble polysaccharides; triterpenoid acids (such as ursolic, oleanolic, and betulinic acids); and UFAs proceeding from different almond seed-associated products, including kernel, skins, hulls, and oil [9]. Nevertheless, the anticancer effects attributed to almond are closely related to those of antioxidant activity, since oxidative stress is considered one of the major process involved in the early stages of carcinogenesis [49].…”

“…Almond and its by-products have been valorized as prebiotic products, as well, especially almond skins, promoting the enhancement of intestinal microbiota diversity and improving the overall gastrointestinal function. In this sense, almond consumption including skins has been reported to increase β-galactosidase activity, considered as a marker of beneficial colonic bacteria, such as bifidobacterial and lactobacilli, thus improving carbohydrate metabolism of chronic ailments, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (Table 3) [9].…”

“…Extracts obtained from this species have been traditionally applied for treating some diseases, neurological disorders, or respiratory and urinary tract affections. In addition, pharmacological studies indicated that P. dulcis has various biological activities such as prebiotic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, laxative, hepatoprotective, cardiometabolic protective, neotropic, anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, and neuroprotective effects [9].…”

Revalorization of Almond By-Products for the Design of Novel Functional Foods: An Updated Review

“…There is a wide evidence regarding the potential benefits of almond by-products as promising sources of bioactive compounds. The effectiveness of such compounds from almond residues as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, prebiotic, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity agents have been largely assessed as a result of countless in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as by different interventional clinical trials in humans [35,36]. Thus, almonds together with their by-products can be used as active ingredients for the prevention of chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.…”