Anacardium Occidentale Stem Bark Research Articles

Phenol content, antioxidant and α- and β-glucosidase inhibitory activities of an Anacardium occidentale stem bark Traditional Herbal Preparation

Introduction: Anacardium occidentale L., commonly known as cashew tree, has been traditionally used in several countries of Asia, Africa and America, due to its antihyperglycemic properties.

Annacardium occidentale Stem Bark Extract can Decrease the Efficacy of Antimicrobial Drugs

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Background: Due to the growing use of phytotherapy clinical strategies for infectious diseases, healthcare providers and patients must know the risks of interactions between such preparations and synthetic drugs. Cashew extracts are widely used in Brazil for complementary treatments of infectious diseases, and often are combined to antimicrobial drugs. However, the possible consequences of such combinations are unknown. Objective: To assess the interference of the Cashew stem bark hydroethanolic extract (CSBE) on certain antimicrobials against clinical isolates of staphylococcal species. Methodology: Antimicrobial susceptibility test and interference assays were performed using gentamycin, ampicilin, ciprofloxacin, G penicillin, neomycin, rifampicin and vancomycin disks. Results: Here we show that the CSBE might reduce the therapeutic activity of some antimicrobial drugs in Staphylococcal species. We found in controlled in vitro assays that the antagonistic effect was seen in all antimicrobial drugs tested for most of the strains and statistically significant differences were found when compared to the control antimicrobials. Our results also indicate the presence of tannins, flavonoids and saponins in the CSBE. Conclusion: Such combinations are suggested to be not adequate for clinical treatments. Further researches are needed for a better understating of such interactions at the molecular level.</p>

Mechanisms of anti-inflammatory property of Anacardium occidentale stem bark: Inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signalling in the microglia

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAnacardium occidentale is used in traditional African medicine for the treatment of arthritis, fever, aches, pains, and inflammation of the extremities. Aim of the studyIn this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms responsible for anti-inflammatory effects of a stem bark extract of A. occidentale (ANE) in LPS-stimulated microglia. Materials and methodsNitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 and cytokine (TNFα and IL-6) production were evaluated in supernatants from LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase (mPGES-1) protein expressions in rat primary microglia were measured using western blot. The effects of ANE on NF-κB activation and nuclear translocation were evaluated in the luciferase reporter gene assay and ELISA, while ability of ANE to influence IκB phosphorylation was determined using ELISA specific for phospho-IκB. The involvement of MAPK phosphorylation in the anti-inflammatory actions of ANE was evaluated using specific ELISA for phospho-p38, phospho-p42/44 and phospho-JNK. The MTT assay was used to determine the effect of ANE on BV-2 microglia viability. ResultsANE (25–100μg/ml) produced significant (p<0.05) reduction in the production of NO, PGE2, TNFα and IL-6 in BV-2 microglia stimulated with LPS for 24h. Pre-treatment with ANE caused a significant (p<0.05) inhibition of COX-2, iNOS and mPGES-1 protein expressions in the rat primary microglia. Further experiments showed that ANE inhibited COX-2 and iNOS protein expression via IκB-mediated nuclear translocation and transactivation of NF-κB. Our studies also revealed that ANE produced significant (p<0.05) and dose-dependent inhibition of p38, p42/44 and JNK MAPK phosphorylation in LPS-activated BV-2 microglia. ConclusionsWe conclude that ANE has an anti-inflammatory property related to inhibition of inflammation-associated cytokine production as well as iNOS and COX-2 gene expression by blocking NF-κB and MAPK pathways in the microglia. It is also suggested that mPGES-1 inhibition contributes to the effect of ANE on PGE2 production in the microglia.

Genotoxicity evaluation of a traditional herbal formulation with Anacardium occidentale bark

The medicinal plant Anacardium occidentale L. stem bark, commonly known as cashew bark, is traditionally used in the Community of Portuguese Language Speaking Countries (CPLP) due to its anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal and antidiabetic activities. The genotoxicity of (hydro)ethanolic or methanolic extracts of different parts of this medicinal plant has been evaluated. Yet, no study has evaluated the genotoxicity of a traditional recipe obtained from the cashew stem bark.

Fenóis totais, atividade antioxidante e constituintes químicos de extratos de Anacardium occidentale L., Anacardiaceae

O presente artigo relata o isolamento e identificacao do palmitato, oleato e linoleato de sitosterila, sitosterol, estigmasterol, 3-O-β-D-galactopiranosideo do sitosterol, 3-O-β-Dgalactopiranosideo do estigmasterol, 3-O-β-D-glicopiranosideo do sitosterol e uma mistura de acidos anacardicos (monoeno e dieno) do extrato etanolico de cascas do caule de Anacardium occidentale L., Anacardiaceae, bem como do sitosterol, estigmasterol, lupeol, β-amirina, catequina e epicatequina do extrato etanolico do tegumento da castanha de caju in natura. Os extratos EtOH da casca e do tegumento foram avaliados quanto ao conteudo de fenois totais e atividade antioxidante. O extrato etanolico das cascas do caule apresentou maior conteudo de compostos fenolicos e percentual de atividade antioxidante.

Sub-chronic Hepatotoxicity of Anacardium occidentale (Anacardiaceae) Inner Stem Bark Extract in Rats.

The extracts of Anacardium occidentale have been used in the management of different cardiovascular disorders in Nigeria. These have necessitated the assessment of the toxicity of this plant extract in sub-chronic administration. The inner stem bark of Anacardium occidentale was extracted with 80 % methanol and quantitatively analysed for antinutrients and some heavy metals. The phytochemical compositions and acute toxicity of the extract were determined also. Toxicity profiles of the extract on some liver function parameters were evaluated following a sub-chronic oral administration at doses of 1.44 and 2.87 g/kg. The phytochemical screening of extract revealed the presence of high amount of tannins, moderate saponins and trace of free reducing sugars. The antinutrient levels were 5.75 % (tannins), 2.50 % (oxalates), 2.00 % (saponins), 0.25 % (phytate) and 0.03 % (cyanide). The quantity of iron detected from dried crude was 8.92 mg/100 g, while lead and cadmium were non-detectable. The extract had LD50of 2.154g/kg p.o. in mice. Sub-chronic administration of the extract significantly increased the serum levels of alanine aminotransaminase and aspartate aminotransaminase, which are indicative of liver damage. The serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and total protein of the treated animals were not significantly increased. The effects of sub-chronically administered extract on hepatocytes were minimal as the serum alkaline phosphatase; total bilirubin and total protein levels in treated animals were not significant (p< 0.05). Thus, sub-chronic administrations of Anacardium occidentale inner stem bark extract did not significantly (p< 0.05) depress the function of hepatocytes in Wistar rats.

Evaluation of the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the acetone extract from Anacardium occidentale L

The stem bark of Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae), commonly called cashew, is used in Brazilian traditional medicine for the treatment of gastric and inflammatory disorders. The present study was carried out to investigate the in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of the acetone extract (AE) of the stem bark of A. occidentale. We evaluated the pharmacological activities of this plant material through the analgesic, antiedematogenic and chemotaxic inhibitory effects produced by the AE. The oral administration (p.o.) of mice with the AE (0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 g/kg) or positive control indomethacin (10 mg/kg) inhibited acetic acid-induced writhing by 18.9, 35.9, 62.9 and 68.9%, respectively (ID50% = 530 mg/kg). The highest dose of the AE was able to inhibit croton oil-induced ear edema formation by 56.8% (indomethacin at 10 mg/kg, p.o. - 57.6% inhibition). When submitted to the carrageenan-induced peritonitis test, the AE (0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 g/kg, p.o.) impaired leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity by 24.8, 40.5 and 49.6%, respectively. The positive control, dexamethasone (2 mg/kg, s.c.), inhibited leukocyte migration by 66.9%. These results indicate the presence of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive principles in the acetone extract of Anacardium occidentale, and reinforce the plant's potential therapeutic use against pain and inflammatory diseases.

Effect of aqueous extract of Anacardium occidentale (L) stem bark on sodium and chloride transport in the rabbit colon

Excessive secretion of fluid and electrolytes elicited by enterotoxins is a major cause of mortality in Africa. This study investigated the traditional use of the stem bark of Anacardium occidentale (cashew) in the treatment of diarrhea by studying its effect on sodium and chloride transport in the rabbit colon. A segment of the rabbit colon was cannulated and perfused in situ with iso-osmotic medium at 0.3 ml/min. The plant extract was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg respectively. Perfusates were collected at 10 min interval for 1 h. The amount of sodium and chloride ions in the perfusates was analyzed with a flame photometer. The results indicated that the plant extract dose dependently stimulate sodium absorption (P < 0.05) and has no effect on chloride transport in the rabbit colon. In conclusion, this study indicates that A. occidentale stimulate sodium and water absorption and therefore may be effective in the treatment of diarrhea in developing countries. Key words: Anacardium occidentale, chloride ion, colon, diarrhea, rabbit, sodium ion.

Evaluation of mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of cashew stem bark methanolic extract in vitro

Plants remain to be a great source of medicines for humanity. Among them is the Anacardium occidentale L . species, popularly known as the cashew, which has several therapeutic indications, such as cicatrizing, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic and antitumoral properties. The objective of the present work was to assess the mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of cashew stem bark methanolic extract (CSBME) on cell cultures of Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (V79). The cultures were treated with different concentrations of the CSBME (500, 1000 and 2000 μg/mL) or with the extract associated with doxorubicin (DXR, 0.75 μg/mL) during the cell cycle phases G1, S, and G2 and throughout continuous treatment. Apart from these treatments, the cell cultures were also treated with PBS (negative-control) and DXR (positive-control). The data obtained in the chromosome aberrations (CA) test showed a significant reduction in CA frequency in the cultures treated with DXR and extract in comparison with those that received only DXR during the cell cycle phases G1 and S and throughout the entire cycle, as well as the absence of mutagenicity in all the treatments realized. The antimutagenic effect observed in this work reinforces the presence of the previously described therapeutic properties of cashew and indicates the safe use of this extract.

Genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity of cashew ( Anacardium occidentale L.) in V79 cells

The use of plants for the treatment of diseases continues to rise although there are few studies providing proof of these effects. One of these plants is the Anacardium occidentale, popularly known as the cashew. The present study evaluated the possible genotoxic and protective activities of cashew stem bark methanolic extract, in vitro, using methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) as a positive control, to compare possible mechanisms of DNA damage induction in the Comet assay. The antigenotoxicity protocols used were pre, simultaneous and post-treatment in relation to MMS. In genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity assessments, besides MMS, PBS was used as the negative control and three concentrations of the A. occidentale extract (500 μg/mL, 1000 μg/mL and 2000 μg/mL) were used on Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (V79 cells). The Comet assay revealed that the two lowest concentrations tested presented no genotoxic activity, whereas the highest presented genotoxicity. All of the concentrations showed protective activity in simultaneous and post-treatment in relation to MMS. Further studies are required to identify the substances that comprise the extract and more clearly comprehend the antigenotoxic mechanism detected in this study.

Atividade antimicrobiana in vitro do extrato de Anacardium occidentale L. sobre espécies de Streptococcus

A atividade antimicrobiana do extrato da casca do caule de Anacardium occidentale L., foi avaliada em tres culturas de bacterias isoladas de biofilme dental. A atividade antimicrobiana foi conduzida em placa de Petri pelo metodo de difusao para determinacao da Concentracao Inibitoria Minima (CIM) e Concentracao Inibitoria Minima de Aderencia (CIMA). Inibicao aureolar (CIM) foi observada com concentracoes de 12,5 mg/mL em S. mutans e 6,25mg/mL em S. mitis e S. sanguis. Os resultados sugerem que o extrato tem efeito na CIMA em concentracoes de 0,31 mg/mL em S. mutans e S. mitis e de 0,15 mg/mL em S. sanguis e pode ser usado terapeuticamente na odontologia como agente antibacteriano.

Effects of Anacardium occidentale stem bark extract on in vivo inflammatory models

The methanol extract of Anacardium occidentale stem bark was evaluated for activities against the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic shock, as well as LPS-induced microvascular permeability in mice. Pre-treatment with Anacardium occidentale extract (25–200 mg/kg) caused a dose-dependent and significant ( p < 0.05) reduction in the elevated levels of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases in the sera of d-galactosamine-primed mice injected with LPS. The highest dose of the extract studied (200 mg/kg) produced a 100% protection against death from sepsis. Pentoxifylline (100 mg/kg) and L-NAME (5 mg/kg) offered 100% protection against LPS-induced septic shock, and produced marked reduction in elevated levels of transferases. A dose-related inhibition of LPS-induced microvascular permability in mice was also produced by pentoxifylline, L-NAME and the extract.