Leaf Extract Of Anacardium Occidentale Research Articles

Antagonistic effectiveness of Anacardium occidentale leaf extract on lead-acetate exposure-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats.

Lead (Pb) poisoning is an environmental substance that accumulates in the hepato-renal tissue, which is hazardous to health, while Anacardium occidentale L. is a tropical herb used to treat oxidative stress and inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the antagonistic effect of Anacardium occidentale leaf extract on lead acetate exposure-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats. Thirty-six adult Wistar rats were split into six equal groups (n = 6). Group I served as a control, and groups II and III were administered lead acetate (50 mg/kg) and Anacardium occidentale leaf extract (400 mg/kg), respectively, while rats in groups IV-VI were administered Anacardium occidentale (L) extract (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) and 10 mg/kg of Succimer, respectively, and were then administered lead acetate (50 mg/kg). When compared to the group I, rats administered lead acetate showed an increase in hepatic enzymes, urea, creatinine, MDA, TNF-α, and IL-1β (p < 0.001) levels and decreased levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH, whereas Anacardium occidentale prevented the increase in hepatorenal function parameters, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-1β) induced by lead acetate. Rats administered only lead acetate had a marked increase in hepatic Pb concentration, severe hepatic steatosis, and renal glomerulus degeneration. However, treatment with Anacardium occidentale extract and succimer decreases the Pb concentration, oxidative stress, and inflammation, and also reduces histological liver steatosis and glomerular cytoarchitecture deterioration in the kidney. The results of this study revealed that Anacardium occidentale extract protects against lead acetate-induced liver and kidney toxicity by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation.

WITHDRAWN: Chemo-Profiling and Biochemical Implications of using 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid, from Ethanol Leaf Extract of Anacardium occidentale (Cashew) for Bio-pesticide Purposes

WITHDRAWN: Chemo-Profiling and Biochemical Implications of using 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid, from Ethanol Leaf Extract of Anacardium occidentale (Cashew) for Bio-pesticide Purposes

Investigation of Antidiabetic Activities of Cu(II) Complex of Anacardium occidentale Leaves Crude Extract

Many synthetic chemical drugs have been widely used for the treatment of diabetes. However, many of these drugs are not locally available, are less effective, and are unaffordable for many diabetic patients in developing and underdeveloped countries. Therefore, in order to search for a locally available, effective, and cost-effective antidiabetic agent, this study synthesized the Cu(II) complex of crude leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale and investigated its antidiabetic activity in alloxan induced albino rats. The leaf crude extract and its metal complex were characterized using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Experimental diabetic animals were induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate at a single dose of 140 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.), and animals with fasting blood glucose levels (BGL) &gt; 200 mg/dl were considered diabetic. Metformin was used as a standard drug. Fasting blood glucose level (BGL) and body weight were examined in assessing the antidiabetic activities of the crude extract and its complex in the rats. One-way ANOVA was used to determine the antidiabetic activity at a statistical significance level of p &lt; 0.05. The hypsochromic shifts of C=O and O-H bands in the Cu(II) complex and the high concentration of the metal ion in the metal complex established the coordination of the crude extract with the metal ion. A more significant reduction in the blood glucose level and increase in body weight in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats was observed when treated with the leaves crude extract and its Cu(II) complex than when treated with the standard drug metformin. It can be concluded that the Cu(II) complex of Anacardium occidentale leaf extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg wt is more effective without abnormal weight gain and could be considered as a potential antidiabetic drug to replace some of the less effective and expensive conventional antidiabetic drugs.

Fertility effects of Anacardium occidentale (Cashew leaves) in the West African Dwarf bucks

Anacardium occidentale is a plant known for its vast medicinal properties and has been used in Nigeria for the treatment of several ailments. However, little is known about its effects on fertility in animals. This study was designed to assess the fertility effects of the aqueous leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale in the West African Dwarf breeding bucks. Sixteen West African Dwarf bucks were assigned into 2 groups A and B (n=8). Group A received a daily oral dose of 250mg/kg aqueous leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale for 14 days, while B served as the control. Blood and semen sample, as well as testes and epididymis were harvested from the bucks at days 7 and 14 post-treatment. Administration of aqueous leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale caused a significant decrease in RBC count, total protein and albumin level, semen volume and sperm motility. It also caused a reduction in the total number of morphologically abnormal sperm cells and a mild reduction in scrotal circumference, testicular and epididymal weight and diameter. It caused an increase in the size of the epididymal and testicular germinal luminal diameter and a decrease in epididymal and testicular germinal height. These suggested that its prolonged use in West African Dwarf breeding bucks may produce anti-fertility effect. Therefore, its incorporation into animal feeds must be done with caution.

Antioxidant Activities of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Anacardium occidentale (Cashew) on Lead Acetate-Induced Cerebellar Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant effect of aqueous leaves extract of Anacardium occidentale (A.O) on lead-induced toxicity in the cerebellum of wistar rats.&#x0D; Methods: Thirty wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of five rats each. Group A: Normal control received 0.5ml normal saline; group B received 50mg/kg body weight (bwt) lead acetate (Pb) only (28 days); groups C and D: 150mg/kg bwt and 300mg/kg bwt of A.O respectively for 14 days and 50mg/kg bwt of Pb next 14 days; group E: 150 mg/kg bwtA.O and 50 mg/kg bwt Pb (28 days); group F: 300mg/kg bwt A.O and 50 mg/kg bwt Pb (28 days). At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. One hemisphere of the cerebellum was homogenized for estimation of tissue Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the second hemisphere was processed for histological studies.&#x0D; Results: Histological examination of lead only treated groups, showed alterations in cerebellar architecture. Biochemical estimations showed significant decrease in SOD, GPx levels (P=.03 and .04 respectively) and significant increase in MDA levels (P=.04), indicative of oxidative stress. Pretreatment and co-treatment with A.O showed dose dependent preservation of cerebellar architecture, significant increase of antioxidant parameters (SOD and GPx) (P=.03) and significant (P=.02) decrease in MDA.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study suggests that Anacardium occidentale especially at a higher dose (300mg/kg) exhibits antioxidant activities against lead-induced oxidative stress in the cerebellum of rats.

Evaluation of Nootropic Activity of Leaf Extract of Anacardium occidentale L.

One of the plants that have been used for enthno medicinal purposes in traditional civilization is Anacardium occidentale L. of the family Anacardiaceae is native to Brazil also found in tropical countries such as Malaysia and India commonly known as cashew. The purpose of this study is to determine the in-vitro and in-vivo cognitive effects of an ethanolic leaf extract of the herb Anacardium occidentale on albino rats. Orally the ethanolic extract was administered in two doses (100 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg). The Elevated Plus maze and Y-maze showed statistically significant improvement in the memory process. The estimation of acetylcholinesterase enzyme in rats brain also shows improvement in the memory process by reducing acetylcholinesterase activity. Disorders related to cognition are one of the major health problems and increasing day by day especially affecting the elder individual. There is no proper medication for the impairment of memory. The study reveals that the ethanolic extract of the leaf of Anacardium occidentale has dose-dependent memory-enhancing performance. Synthetic drugs have a lot of side effects, whereas drugs belongs to natural substances have least side effect compared to synthetic one, which has gained a lots of importance. These studies need to be documented effectively. Research findings were contributed to meet the future needs in general healthcare, research, and conservation of endangered species and may give a lead to the discovery of newer drugs.

A comparative study of antimicrobial effects of Clitoris ternatea and Anacardium occidentale leaf extracts against the selected microbes

The aim of the present study was to investigate a comparative study of antimicrobial efficacy of Clitoris ternatea and Anacardium occidentale leaf extract against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus vulgaris, and Salmonella typhi (Gram-negative) microbial strains. Ethanol extracts of both the leaf were evaluated against the experimental microbial strains using the well diffusion and agar disc diffusion methods. The present investigation showed that some microbial strains were more sensitive to Clitoris ternatea as compared to Anacardium occidentale and vice versa. But on the whole the Clitoris ternatea was found to be more effective than Anacardium occidentale. It is concluded that both the extracts showed antimicrobial activity due to the presence of bioactive phytochemicals present in them.

Evaluation of Wound Healing Activity of an Ethanolic Extract of Anacardiumoccidentale Leaves in Wistar Rats

BACKGROUND -This study undertaken to screen a potential wound healing activity of an ethanolic extract of Anacardiumoccidentale(Ao)leaves in Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS-Excision wound of 500mm2created on the back of Wistar rats. A total of thirty adult Wistar rats were prescreened and divided into five groups of six rats each.Group I and II rats were treated by normal saline (control) and povidone-iodine (standard drug), respectively. Group III and IV with 0.5% and 2%of Anacardiumoccidentale ointment (test drugs), respectively, and Group V rats treated with anti-wound healer drug dexamethasone, i.m. + 2% Anacardiumoccidentale. All drugs were applied topically except Inj. dexamethasone. In the model of excision wound, the wound healing effect was determined by parameters such as the percentage of wound contraction, duration of epithelialization, and histopathological examination. RESULT-All drugs, povidone-iodine, 0.5%, and 2% of the Ao ointment treated group of rats showed a statistically significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in the % of wound contraction on 5th and 6thdays Vs.Control rats. In contrast,povidone-iodine, 2% Ao ointment and (dexamethasone + 2% Ao)treated rats decreased the period of epithelialization which was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05) compared to the control.However, the standard povidone-iodine treated rats showed a maximum increase in the percentage of wound contraction and minimum period of epithelialization, followed by a higher dose of 2% Ao extract. The plant extract 0.5% and 2% of Ao showeda significant increase inthe rate of wound contraction as compared to the standard drug povidone-iodine also. The combination of (2%Aoextract+dexamethasone) drug-treated rats decreased the rate of wound contraction on 5th, 9th days; whereas, povidone-iodine increased on all days, i.e., 5th, 9th, 13th and 17th days,which was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) Vs.Normal saline. The povidone and 2% of Ao extract hastened the rate of wound healing activity, which was evident by maximum re-epithelialization and presence of the collagen fibers. CONCLUSION-In our study, the topical application of Anacardiumoccidentale leaf extract has shown promising wound healing activity; however, it failed to reverse the anti-wound healing property of steroids.

Pentagalloylglucose, isolated from the leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale L., could elicit rapid and selective cytotoxicity in cancer cells

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe leaf of Anacardium occidentale L. has been a component of many herbal recipes in South-Western Nigeria. The work reported herein, therefore, explored the phytochemical composition of this plant and the potential anti-cancer activity of an isolated chemical constituent.MethodsPhytochemical methods (including chromatographic analysis) combined with spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses (IR, HRMS and NMR (1D and 2D)) were used to identify chemical constituents. Cytotoxic effects were determined using the MTT viability assay and bright-field imaging. Induction of oxidative stress was determined using the fluorescence-based 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) assay.ResultsFor the first time in the plant, Compound 1 was isolated from the leaf extract and identified as pentagalloylglucose. Compound 1 was significantly cytotoxic against the cancer cell lines HeLa (human cervical adenocarcinoma cell line) and MRC5-SV2 (human foetal lung cancer cell line), with IC50 of 71.45 and 52.24 μg/ml, respectively. The selectivity index (SI) for Compound 1 was 1.61 (IC50 against the normal human foetal lung fibroblast cell line MRC-5 was 84.33μg/ml), demonstrating better cancer cell-selectivity compared to doxorubicin with a SI of 1.28. The cytotoxic activity of Compound 1 in HeLa cells was also rapid, as shown by its concentration- and time-dependent 3 h and 6 h cytotoxicity profiles, an effect not observed with doxorubicin. Generation of reactive oxygen species at high concentrations of pentagalloylglucose to induce oxidative stress in cancer cells was identified as a mechanistic event that led to or resulted from its cytotoxicity.ConclusionsWe suggest that pentagalloylglucose is selectively cytotoxic to cancer cells, and at high concentrations could exhibit pro-oxidant effects in those cells, as opposed to its general anti-oxidant effects in cells. Also, the presence of Compound 1 (pentagalloylglucose) in the plant and its cancer cell-selective cytotoxicity provide some rationale for the ethno-medicinal use of the plant’s leaf extract for treating diseases associated with excessive cell proliferation. Further studies are required to dissect the molecular mechanisms and players differentially regulating the biphasic anti-oxidant and pro-oxidant effects of pentagalloylglucose in normal and cancer cells.

Polymerization of deoxygenated sickle hemoglobin in the presence of fractionated leaf extracts of Anacardium occidentale, Psidium guajava, and Terminalia catappa

BackgroundThe present study evaluated levels of polymerization of deoxygenated sickle hemoglobin molecules (poly-dHbS-M) in the presence of fractionated leaf extracts of Anacardium occidentale Linn., Psidium guajava Linn., and Terminalia catappa Linn in vitro as well as identified, quantified, and characterized the phytocomponents from fractionated leaf extracts that exhibited comparatively high potency to impede poly-dHbS-M. Non-hemolyzed sickle erythrocytes were premixed with 40, 60, and 80 mg/100 mL of each of the separate fractionated leaf extracts of A. occidentale, P. guajava, and T. catappa in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; pH = 7.4), osmotically equivalent to 9.0 g/L NaCl. Poly-dHbS-M was induced by adding 2.0 g/100 mL Na2S2O5 to the erythrocyte suspension. The absorbance of the erythrocyte suspension was measured at regular intervals of 30 s for 180 s. Identification, quantification, and characterization of phytocomponents from fractionated leaf extracts were carried out using GC-MS, FT-IR, and UV-visible systems protocols.ResultsThe level of poly-dHbS-M of the control sample was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of the samples containing 40, 60, and 80 mg/100 mL ethylacetate extracts of A. occidentale at t < 60 s. The relative cumulative polymerization index (RCPI%) of dHbS-M in the presence of fractionated leaf extract of A. occidentale varied within a wide range of 3.8–59.4%. A. occidentale (petroleum ether and ethylacetate extracts), P. guajava (n-hexane, chloroform, and ethylacetate extracts), and T. catappa (ethylacetate extract) exhibited comparatively high potency to inhibit poly-dHbS-M.ConclusionThe fractionated leaf extracts of A. occidentale, P. guajava, and T. catappa exhibited differential capacities to impede poly-dHbS-M. The combinations of aliphatic hydrocarbons, methylated esters, methylated fatty acids, aliphatic alcohols, d-erythro-sphinganine, aromatic derivatives, cycloalkanes, phthalates, isothiocyanates, aminated sugars, cyclo-alcohols, and nitro-compounds impeded poly-dHbS-M.

Phytocomponents from Anacardium occidentale, Psidium guajava, and Terminalia catappa altered membrane osmotic stability of sickle erythrocytes

BackgroundThe present study identified, quantified, and characterized the combinations of phytocomponents from fractionated leaf extracts of Anacardium occidentale, Psidium guajava, and Terminalia catappa that stabilized sickle erythrocyte membrane against osmotic stress, or otherwise, using standard chromatographic-spectrophotometric techniques, namely GC-MS, FT-IR, and UV-visible systems.ResultsThe percentage hemolysis of the control sample, in 0.9 g/100 mL NaCl, was 35.08 ± 11.64%, whereas those of the samples containing 40 mg/100 mL, 60 mg/100 mL, and 80 mg/100 mL of ethylacetate extracts of T. catappa ranged between 31.82 ± 8.32 and 39.18 ± 6.94%. Ethylacetate extract of T. catappa contained comparative high quantities of hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, 9,11-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester, (E, E)-, trans-13-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, and methyl stearate. FT-IR and UV-visible spectra showed that ethylacetate extract of T. catappa contained aromatic compounds as well as nitro-compounds, phenolics, and esters.ConclusionTo mention but a few, the combinations of major phytocomponents that stabilized sickle erythrocyte membrane against osmotic stress were hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, 11-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester, dibutyl phthalate, pentacosane, trans-13-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester, whereas the minor phytocomponents include methyl tetradecanoate, methoxyacetic acid, 3-pentadecyl ester, methyl stearate, hexadecanoic acid, isoxazole, 4,5-dimethyl-.

Antibacterial activity of irradiated extracts of Anacardium occidentale L. on multiresistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus

This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of crude and fractionated leaf extracts of Anacardium occidentale, after receiving 10 kGy from 60Co, against multiresistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations-MIC and Minimum Bacteriostatic Concentrations-MBC were respectively assessed by serial microdilution technique in multiwall plates and Petri dishes, against standard strains and clinical isolates of multiresistant S. aureus. The results pointed out a significantly increase of the antibacterial activity of the such extracts after irradiation, emphasizing the role of gamma radiation on leaf extracts of A. occidentale to improve bioactive substances, offering new raw material for antibacterial drugs.

Biosynthesis of polyphenols functionalized ZnO nanoparticles: Characterization and their effect on human pancreatic cancer cell line

The present work investigate the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Anacardium occidentale leaf extract by an eco-friendly method. ZnO NPs were synthesized by boiling the mixture of 10 ml of Anacardium occidentale leaf extract and 30 ml 0.1 M zinc nitrate (ZnNO3) at 60 °C for 3 h. The obtained nanoparticles were studied using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques such as Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis).X-ray diffraction results showed the hexagonal structure of the ZnO NPs. TEM results confirmed the hexagonal NPs with average particle size of 33 nm. Further the prepared nanoparticles were studied for their cytotoxicity against human pancreatic cancer cells. The cytotoxicity results have confirmed that the fabricated ZnO NPs exhibited the concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against pancreatic cancer cell lines.

Effect of Anacardium occidentale leaf extract on human acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cell lines

Anacardium occidentale leaves are used in folk medicine due its therapeutic properties attributed to phenolic compounds. Therefore, this study was undertaken on its hydroethanolic leaf extract (AoHE) to evaluate cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction on acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cells. Results indicated that AoHE interfered in the cell cycle progression, inducing apoptosis by activation of casp3 at lower concentrations, thence, a promising candidate for the development of new cancer drugs.

Anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory constituents of leaf extracts of Anacardium occidentale L. in animal models

ObjectiveAnacardium occidentale L. leaf is useful in the treatment of inflammation and asthma, but the bioactive constituents responsible for these activities have not been characterized. Therefore, this study was aimed at identifying the bioactive constituent(s) of A. occidentale ethanolic leaf extract (AOEL) and its solvent-soluble portions, and evaluating their effects on histamine-induced paw edema and bronchoconstriction. MethodsThe bronchodilatory effect was determined by measuring the percentage protection provided by plant extracts in the histamine-induced bronchoconstriction model in guinea pigs. The anti-inflammatory effect of the extracts on histamine-induced paw edema in rats was determined by measuring the increase in paw diameter, after which the percent edema inhibition was calculated. The extracts were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify the bioactive constituents. Column chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used respectively to isolate and characterize the constituents. The bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated bioactive constituent were evaluated. ResultsHistamine induced bronchoconstriction in the guinea pigs and edema in the rat paw. AOEL, hexane-soluble portion of AOEL, ethyl acetate-soluble portion of AOEL, and chloroform-soluble portion of AOEL significantly increased bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory activities (P < 0.05). Oleamide (9-octadecenamide) was identified as the most abundant compound in the extracts and was isolated. Oleamide significantly increased bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory activities by 32.97% and 98.41%, respectively (P < 0.05). ConclusionThese results indicate that oleamide is one of the bioactive constituents responsible for the bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory activity of A. occidentale leaf, and can therefore be employed in the management of bronchoconstriction and inflammation.

Biosynthesis of hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanostructures: Size effects on applications in thermal conductivity, catalysis, and antibacterial activity

Hematite nanoparticles, being stable and comparatively less toxic, have remarkable contributions in biomedical as well as other interdisciplinary fields of research. A facile, efficient and environmentally-friendly protocol has been developed for the synthesis of hematite nanoparticles exploiting the reducing and capping potential of the aqueous leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale. Nanoparticles of different sizes obtained by optimizing the precursor to extract ratio have been investigated for their size-dependent catalytic, nanofluid and antibacterial activities. The nanoparticles have been characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, EDX, UV-visible, Raman and FTIR techniques. The XRD, UV–visible, FTIR and Raman spectral analysis demonstrated the formation of pure hematite nanoparticles. Thermal analysis of the as synthesized product has been carried out to determine the proper annealing temperature. Magnetic hysteresis measurement carried out using Vibrating Sample Magnetometer shows weak ferromagnetism at room temperature. The biosynthesized nanoparticles could effectively degrade hazardous pollutants including methyl red and eosin yellowish within a short span. The synthesized nanoparticles have also been found to enhance thermal conductivity of conventional base fluids; water and ethylene glycol at room temperature. Dose dependent antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus have been depicted through agar-well diffusion method.

Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Potentials of Aqueous and Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Anacardium occidentale in Alloxan Induced Type I Diabetic Rat Model

Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Potentials of Aqueous and Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Anacardium occidentale in Alloxan Induced Type I Diabetic Rat Model

Synthesis and characterization of AgNP:ZrO2 functional nanomaterials by leaf extract assisted bioreduction process

Silver nanoparticle functionalized nanocrystalline ZrO2 was fabricated by using Anacardium occidentale leaf extract assisted bioreduction process at ambient conditions. Introducing A. occidentale leaf extract into an aqueous mixture of silver nitrate and ZrO2 particles caused the speedy reduction of the silver ions and efficiently lead to their nucleation as highly stable, silver nanoparticles on the ZrO2 surface. A reaction mechanism for the fabrication of functional interfaces was developed to illustrate this process. SEM–EDS and TEM investigations, together with UV–vis spectroscopy, confirmed the formation of 5–20nm silver nanoparticles on the surfaces of ZrO2 particles. Further, the X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the phase pure face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure of silver nanoparticles formed on the surface of ZrO2 particles. Increasing concentration of leaf extract in the reaction mixture caused the rapid reduction of silver ions and inhibits the formation of silver nanoparticles over the surface of ZrO2 particles significantly.

Plant species used in giardiasis treatment: ethnopharmacology and in vitro evaluation of anti-Giardia activity

The aim of this study was to compile the traditional knowledge about plants used for the treatment of giardiasis, and also to carry out experimental research to evaluate the anti-Giardia activity of five species.To reach this objective, 398 interviews were performed using a previously prepared questionnaire, followed by an in vitro evaluation of giardicidal potential of hydroalcoholic leaf extracts of Anacardium occidentale L., Chenopodium ambrosioides L., Passiflora edulis Sims, Psidium guajava L., and Stachytarpheta cayennensis (Rich.) Vahl. Among the interviewed people, 55.53% reported the use of plants to treat diarrhea, the most severe symptom of giardiasis. The results indicated 36 species used by this population for these problems. The use of leaves (72.50%) of a single plant (64.25%) collected from backyards and gardens (44.34%) and prepared by decoction were predominant. The majority of the interviewees (85.52%) attributed their cure to the use of plants. In the experimental tests, all extracts inhibited the growth of Giardia lamblia trophozoites in different intensities: A. occidentale and P. guajava extracts elicited a moderate activity (250 ≤ IC50 ≤ 500μg/ml), C. ambrosioides and S. cayennensis extracts evoked a high activity (100 ≤ IC50 ≤ 250μg/ml), and P. edulis extract showed very high activity (IC50 ≤ 100μg/ml). This study shows that an ethnopharmacological approach is useful in the selection of plant materials with potential giardicidal activity.

Study on the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale on seed germination and seedling growth of Vigna unguiculata

Allelochemicals play a significant role in the germination and seedling growth of crop plants. Various allelochemicals are present in Anacardium. These chemicals enter into the crops environment and adversely affect the growth of crop and reduce their yield. It is seen that with increase in the concentration of leaf extract there is a decrease in germination value, germination percentage, cumulative germination percentage, shoot length , root length, leaf area, fresh weight, dry weight and stomatal index. For the successful cultivation of cowpea, the seeds should be grown away from this plant. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/apjeesd.v1i1.9504Asia Pacific Journal of Environment Ecology and Sustainable Development 2013; 1: 10-14