Cashew Extract Research Articles

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) Extract: Possible Effects on Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis in Modulating Chronic Stress.

Depression presents a significant global health burden, necessitating the search for effective and safe treatments. This investigation aims to assess the antidepressant effect of the hydroethanolic extract of Anacardium occidentale (AO) on depression-related behaviors in rats. The depression model involved 42 days of unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) exposure and was assessed using the sucrose preference and the forced swimming (FST) test. Additionally, memory-related aspects were examined using the tests Y-maze and Morris water maze (MWM), following 21 days of treatment with varying doses of the AO extract (150, 300, and 450 mg/kg) and Imipramine (20 mg/kg), commencing on day 21. The monoamines (norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine), oxidative stress markers (MDA and SOD), and cytokines levels (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) within the brain were evaluated. Additionally, the concentration of blood corticosterone was measured. Treatment with AO significantly alleviated UCMS-induced and depressive-like behaviors in rats. This was evidenced by the ability of the extract to prevent further decreases in body mass, increase sucrose consumption, reduce immobility time in the test Forced Swimming, improve cognitive performance in both tests Y-maze and the Morris water maze by increasing the target quadrant dwelling time and spontaneous alternation percentage, and promote faster feeding behavior in the novelty-suppressed feeding test. It also decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines, corticosterone, and MDA levels, and increased monoamine levels and SOD activity. HPLC-MS analysis revealed the presence of triterpenoid compounds (ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, and lupane) and polyphenols (catechin quercetin and kaempferol). These results evidenced the antidepressant effects of the AO, which might involve corticosterone and monoaminergic regulation as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Phytochemicals Screening and Anti-proliferative Activities of Anacardium occidentale Shoot Extract in Breast Cancer Cells

Introduction: Anacardium occidentale or cashew are popular traditional food and have raised research interest for complementary cancer treatment. Cancer has become leading cause of death and treatment involved severe side effects. In present study, we aim to study the anti-proliferative effects of cashew shoots in breast cancer (MDA-MB-231), colorectal cancer (HT-29) and liver cancer (HepG2) cell lines. Methods: Cell lines were treated with 70% ethanolic cashew extract for cytotoxicity test with MTT assay. AO/PI dual fluorescent assay and RNase/PI staining were used to determine apoptosis induction effects. Phytochemicals screening was carried out by using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS). Results: The cytotoxicity assay of cashew shoot extract demonstrated IC50 of 81.1 ± 0.11 μg/ml for MDA-MB-231, 307.5 ± 2.31 μg/ml for HT-29 and 272.6 ± 1.91 μg/ml for HepG2 cell lines. The apoptotic bodies include chromatin condensation, cell blebbing and nuclear fragmentation and apoptosis induction were shown by AO/PI staining. There was significant increase of cell count in sub-G0 phase in MDA-MB-231 cell lines treated with cashew shoot extract. It was demonstrated that cashew shoot extract contained 38 compounds from GCMS such as sitosterol, tannin, pyrogallol, phenol and 20 compounds from LCMS such as citric acid, gallic acid, myricetin and hinokiflavone that may give rise to its anti-cancer effect. Conclusion: Cashew shoot extract demonstrated potential anti-cancer properties thus further study is required to investigate its mechanism as anti-cancer agent.

Phytochemical profiling, antioxidant activities, enzymatic activities and insecticidal potential of aqueous extracts of four plants on the larvae of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the main pest of cotton plant in Ivory Coast.

In the context of climate change, the Ivorian cotton industry is facing with the loss of sensitivity of pests (Helicoverpa armigera) and the appearance of new so-called emerging insects. Faced with this situation, cotton producers tend to use insecticide products in high doses, in excess of the norm. However, the misuse of chemical products poses many health risks. Therefore, to limit the use of chemicals, aqueous extracts of local plants with insecticidal properties were examined in the laboratory and in the field. Four local plant species were selected [Anacardium occidentale (Anarcardier); Azadirachta indica (Neem); Hyptis suaveolens (Hyptis) and Tephrosia vogelii (Tephrosia)]. After determining the chemical profiles of the four extracts by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-mass spectrometry, their inhibitory activities were assessed in cholinesterase and tyrosinase. The sensitivity of Helicoverpa armigera larvae was evaluated by ingesting the aqueous extracts at several concentrations ranging from 2% to 64% in an artificial nutrient substrate. Then, the mortality rates of the larvae during 72 h were evaluated and the lethal concentrations were determined. The results of chemical analyses (HPLC) showed that the richest aqueous extract in phytochemicals with 54 elements detected was that of cashew (A. occidentale). T. vogelii, A. indica and H. suaveolens presented 44, 45, and 39 chemical compounds, respectively. In addition, the total phenolic content was higher in A. occidentale (110.67 mg gallic acid equivalents/g) followed by A. indica (42.43 mg gallic acid equivalents/g). The highest antioxidant ability was observed with the aqueous extract of cashew (A. occidentale). Anti-enzymatic activities such as acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibition were most pronounced in A. occidentale (2.35 ± 0.02 mg galanthamine equivalent/g, 3.77 ± 0.01 mg galanthamine equivalent/g and 71.28 ± 0.07 mg kojic acid equivalent/g, respectively). The most toxic aqueous extract for H. armigera larvae was that of cashew with a lethal concentration LC50 = 11.68%. Moreover, the principal component analysis performed showed that the insecticidal activity is strongly correlated with the antioxidant and enzymatic activities of the aqueous extracts. Then, the hierarchical ascending classification showed cashew as the best plant. For the sustainability of cotton production, it would be necessary to limit the use of chemical-synthetic insecticides through the use of plant extracts, especially from cashew leaves.

Compressed fluids and Soxhlet extraction for the valorization of compounds from Colombian cashew (Anacardium occidentale) nut shells aimed at a cosmetic application

The management of cashew nut shells in Vichada, Colombia, is a matter of deep concern for local farmers since this non-edible biomass accumulates in the farms and generates pollution. This study explores the valorization of cashew nut shells through supercritical fluid, subcritical water, and Soxhlet extraction techniques to recover valuable compounds for the formulation of a cosmetic cream. The profile of metabolites of the extracts was studied, and the cytotoxicity was determined. Supercritical fluid extraction showed high selectivity to phenolic compounds (134 ± 4.6 mg/mL). Soxhlet and subcritical water extractions recovered sugars and organic acids. It was demonstrated that including cashew extracts in the cream formulation resulted in similar rheology behavior compared to a commercial cream. The use of non-conventional extraction techniques to obtain natural compounds provides a novel perspective on the valorization of this biomass which could increase the circularity of the cashew agroindustry in Colombia.

Effect of roasting duration on the solubility, structure, and IgE-binding capacity of cashew nut proteins

Cashew nuts can induce severe allergic reactions in some allergic individuals. In this work, the solubility, structure and IgE-binding capacity of cashew proteins roasted for different durations were compared. The solubility of cashew nut proteins decreased after roasting. Ana o 3 and Ana o 2 was more thermally stable than Ana o 1. The analysis of the structure of cashew extracts by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that roasting reduced the contents of β-sheet and β-turn and led to the unfolding and aggregation of cashew protein. The IgE-binding capacity of cashew protein extracts seemed to decrease with the extension of roasting time.

Amelioration of Rheumatoid Arthritis by Anacardium occidentale via Inhibition of Collagenase and Lysosomal Enzymes.

Anacardium occidentale (cashew) has been used in the traditional system of medicine for curing many inflammatory disorders. The present study investigates the antiarthritic effects of cashew leaves extract using the rat model of FCA-induced rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritic rats were treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. ethanolic extract of cashew leaves. Animals were sacrificed at day 23, and before sacrificing the animals, gross pathological changes were observed. Histopathology of ankle joint was evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin staining, whereas the serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were evaluated by the agglutination method. Inflammatory cells and other hematological parameters were assessed by employing an automated hemocytometer and chemistry analyzer. Rheumatoid factor (Rf) and lysosomal enzymes levels were determined in blood. Results indicated that A. occidentale significantly decreased the CPR levels, macroscopic arthritic score, and rheumatoid factor as compared to the diseased group. Histopathological evaluation showed significant attenuation in bone erosion, joint inflammation, and pannus formation by plant extract. Treatment with A. occidentale significantly suppressed the levels of acid phosphatase, β-galactosidase, β-glucuronidase, N-acetylglucosaminidase, and collagenase. Moreover, A. occidentale significantly raised the HB levels and RBCs counts which were found depleted in the diseased group. The raised counts of total leukocytes, platelets, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes were also significantly decreased by treatment with plant extract. Comparative analysis showed that higher dose of A. occidentale demonstrated superior amelioration of rheumatoid arthritis as compared to low dose. In conclusion, A. occidentale possesses significant antiarthritic potential, which may be attributed to the suppression of lysosomal enzymes and collagenase levels.

Application of multivariate optimization for the selective extraction of phenolic compounds in cashew nuts (Anacardium occidentale L.)

An extraction method based on a multivariate analytical approach was developed for enhancement of the phenolic compounds in cashew nut extracts. The different extractor solvents (acetone, water, ethanol, and methanol) and their binary, ternary, and quaternary combinations were evaluated using a simplex-centroid design and surface response methodology. The special cubic model exhibits no lack of fit and explains 89.2% of the variance. The total phenolic measurements by the Folin-Ciocalteu method revealed the highest values for ethanol (5.93 mg GAE g−1) and acetone–methanol–ethanol ternary mixture (5.92 mg GAE g−1) extracts. ESI (−)-Q/TOFMS analyses combined with PCA and HCA revealed the presence of fatty acids, phospholipids, and sugars in the ternary mixture cashew extract, while for the ethanol extract only phenolic compounds, such as anacardic acids and derivatives, were found. The proposed approach was adequate to reach the optimal extractor which ethanol, a low-toxicity solvent, enabled the selective extraction of a high content of phenolic compounds from cashew nuts.

PHYTOCHEMICALS AND INHIBITIVE PROPERTIES OF CASHEW EXTRACT AS CORROSION INHIBITOR OF ALUMINIUM IN H2SO4 MEDIUM

This work studied the phytochemicals and inhibitive properties of cashew extract as corrosion inhibitor of aluminium in H2SO4 medium. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the cashew extract were carried out to identify and quantify the phytochemicals for the corrosion inhibition process. Thermometric and gravimetric techniques were employed in the study of corrosion inhibition of aluminium in H2SO4 medium. The inhibition efficiency of the cashew extract was modeled using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) of Design Expert Software 9. It was revealed that phytochemicals of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenolics, phytates, saponins and tanins were present in the cashew extract at various degrees. The cashew extract is predominantly made of flavonoids (425.0mg/100g) followed by alkaloids (221.7mg/100g).Adsorption of the cashew extract on the Al surface obeyed physical adsorption mechanism. Thermometric and gravimetric techniques are in agreement of recording high inhibition efficiencies of 83.7% and 82.5% respectively. The phytochemicals of the cashew extract are good inhibitive agents for the corrosion control process. A quadratic model is adequate for the description of the inhibition efficiency of the cashew extract as a function of inhibitor concentration, temperature and time.

Active compounds in EAhy 926 endothelial cells, investigating cashew extract and molecules as natural health product approach to reducing the formation of advanced glycation endproducts v

Cashew Anacardium occidentale Linn of the family Anacardiaceae has been documented as traditional plant treatment for diabetes and hypertension In our previous studies using A occidentale leaf and seed extracts we demonstrated the effective improvement in renal or testis function and reduced lesions associated with diabetic state in STZ diabetic rats and stimulating glucose transport in C C muscle cells ndash We then wondered what molecular compounds were involved in these potent anti diabetic activities In the present study using antioxidant activity guided fractionation DPPH advanced glycation endproducts AGEs essays four extracts E to E of A occidentale leaves were studied for possible antioxidant capacities and vascular activity We also compared the protective effects of cashew leaf extracts against high glucose mediated toxicity in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells EAhy cells Total antioxidant activity of the extracts of A occidentale and identified compounds was determined using DPPH free radical scavenging assay Two extracts of cashew rsquo s leaves E and E were found to possess significant DPPH radical scavenging activity with equivalent trolox values of plusmn and plusmn mg trolox g dried extract respectively The order of the radical scavenging potency is E gt E gt E gt E In vitro AGEs generation after h revealed that E had the strongest inhibitory activity against AGEs formation and its IC value was mg ml compared to that of aminoguanidine as standard mg ml A significant p lt increase in fluorescence of AGEs in mM glucose HG was partially corrected by E E and agathisflavone AF p lt vs mM glucose alone Additionally cotreatment with E E or AF significantly attenuated HG induced EAhy as judged by overexpression of Mn SOD and NF kB These results suggest that A occidentale MetOH extracts together with its principal compound identified as agathisflavone reduces high glucose induced toxicity by attenuating AGEs MnSOD NF kB generation in endothelial cells and therefore may be of significant therapeutic benefits against oxidative stress in diabetic complications and hypertension

Active compounds in EAhy 926 endothelial cells, investigating cashew extract and molecules as natural health product approach to reducing the formation of advanced glycation endproducts v

Active compounds in EAhy 926 endothelial cells, investigating cashew extract and molecules as natural health product approach to reducing the formation of advanced glycation endproducts v

The effect of cashew leaf extract on small intestine morphology and growth performance of Jawa Super chicken.

Aim:This research aimed to study the effect of leaf extract of cashew as a bioactive compound in feed on the morphology of the small intestine in Jawa Super chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus).Materials and Methods:This study used 72 1-day-old Jawa Super chicks reared for a further 16 days. We used a randomized complete design, in which basal feed was supplemented with ethanolic extract of cashew leaves at 0 g/kg feed (control), 1.25 g/kg feed (P1), 2.5 g/kg feed (P2), 5 g/kg feed (P3), 10 g/kg feed (P4), and 20 g/kg feed (P5). Parameters observed included growth performance, chicken morphometry, and morphology of the small intestine, comprising the length and width of the villi, the depth of the crypt, and the number and size of goblet cells in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Data analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan’s test, with significance defined as p<0.05.Results:Ethanolic extract of cashew leaf significantly increased body weight, feed efficiency, body morphometry, villus length, crypt depth, number of goblet cells, and extent of goblet cell area of the small intestine at 16 days. The morphological results from the small intestine showed that P4 and P5 were significantly better than control.Conclusions:Cashew leaf ethanolic extract mixed with 10 g/kg basal feed is effective as a natural feed supplement for Jawa Super chickens.

Botanical pesticides effect from shells of bean’s cashew nut on biological agents of trichoderma sp. and gliocladium sp.

A shell of cashew nut (Anacardium occidentanle) has contained Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) that is used as botanical pesticides. CNSL oil consists of active substance such as anacardat acid, cardol and cardanol. Utilization of the pesticides from shells of cashew nut to control pests and diseases of plants would be affected on biological agents. The objective of this research was to investigate pesticides inhibition on the increase of mycelium Trichoderma sp. and Gliocladium sp. by in vitro method. The tested concentration sample consisted of 0.0% (control), 2.5%, 7.5% and 10.0% in PDA media. The results of this research showed that 2.5% botanical pesticides concentration could minimize mycelium of Trichoderma sp. and Gliocladium sp. 22.73% and 21.04% respectively and also the increase shells of cashew extract could be affected the increase of mycelium inhibition. The extract with 2.5% concentration was the recommended concentration to control of fruit rot diseases and if concentration was 10.0% then its inhibition become 54.98% and 49.35%, respectively. The results proved that uncontrolled utilization of the pesticides could be affected on decrease of Trichoderma sp. and Gliocladium sp. growth.

Control of Postharvest Decay on Cashew Fruit (&lt;i&gt;Anacardium Occidentale&lt;/i&gt; L.) with Aqueous Extract of Cashew Leaf

The study investigated control of postharvest decay on cashew fruit (Anacardium occidentale L.) with aqueous leaf extract of cashew. Freshly emergent cashew leaves were air-dried for 5 days and then pulverized. Varying concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2% and 2.5%) of the pulverized cashew leaves were prepared with appropriate volumes of water. Fifteen cashew fruits were dipped separately into each concentration of the prepared extract for 1 minute while untreated cashew fruits served as control. Both the treated and control fruits were stored in dessicators at 28±2°C and 45-50% relative humidity and assessed daily for disease incidence. Phytochemical screening of the extract was also carried out. Results obtained on day 1 of storage indicated that both the control and all treated cashew fruits irrespective of treating concentrations had no disease incidence (0%) which implied that all the cashew fruits were disease free. However, as storage duration progressed, there was a decline in the efficacy of the cashew leaf extract. Only fruits treated with 2% cashew leaf extract maintained 0% disease incidence on day 4 of storage and recorded 30% disease incidence on day 7 of storage when compared with control and other treated fruits that had 100% disease incidence. The antifungal activity of the leaf extract could be traced to different phytochemicals present in it.

Polyphenol-rich pomegranate juice reduces IgE binding to cashew nut allergens.

Food allergy negatively impacts quality of life and can be life-threatening. Cashew nuts can cause severe reactions in very small amounts, and they are included in a group of foods most commonly responsible for causing food allergy. Polyphenols and polyphenol-rich juices have been demonstrated to complex with peanut allergens. Here, the interaction between cashew nut allergens and polyphenol-rich juices is evaluated biochemically and immunologically. Various juices, including pomegranate (POM), blueberry (BB), and concord grape (CG) juices, were evaluated for polyphenol content and formation of polyphenol-cashew allergen complexes. Among the various juices studied, POM juice showed a greater capacity to form complexes with cashew proteins. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) demonstrated a sharp increase in cashew protein extract particle size to around 3580 nm, and fewer cashew proteins were resolved by electrophoresis after treatment with POM juice. Immunoassays demonstrated reduced IgG and IgE binding to cashew allergens due to allergen precipitation by POM juice. These observations support the formation of complexes between polyphenol and cashew proteins that can prevent antibody recognition of cashew allergens through allergen precipitation. POM juice treatment of cashew extract effectively reduces antibody binding through allergen precipitation, and these findings could be applied to the development of less allergenic cashew nut products and oral immunotherapy. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Comparative Studies of the Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Cashew Leaf, Bark and Fruits Extracts

Extracts of the leaf, stem bark and fruit of cashew plants were investigated to determine their phytochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Cashew leaves, stem barks and fruits of the Brazilian Jumbo variety were processed, extracted and analyzed for their phytochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The results showed that the phytochemical contents varied significantly between the sample extracts. Carotenoids content of cashew extracts are 88.86, 125.93 and 100.33 mg/g for the leaf, bark and fruit respectively. The stem bark extract showed significantly highest tannin content (2.01 mg/g) compared to the cashew fruit extract (1.56 mg/g) and cashew leaf extract (1.19 mg/g). Total phenolic content of the cashew plant parts varied significantly from 103.92 – 983 .23 mg/g sample of the extract with the leaf extract having significantly lowest value while the fruit had the highest value. Cashew fruit extract exhibited significantly highest percentage DPPH scavenging activity at all concentrations. There was a positive correlation between the total phenolic content and antioxidant activities of cashew extracts suggesting that the phenolic content may directly influence the antioxidant activities. Extracts of cashew leaves and stem barks exhibited appreciable inhibition on all human pathogens screened compared to the fruit extract which was only active against salmonella typhi. Cashew extracts could therefore be used as a potential source of ingredients in the development of nutraceuticals and functional foods for the control, management and treatment of health disorders.

Simple methods to reduce major allergens Ara h 1 and Ana o 1/2 in peanut and cashew extracts.

Whole peanut or cashew extracts are usually used in immunotherapy. Reducing major allergen(s) in the extracts may lessen their side effects. Three methods were evaluated to reduce major allergens in peanut extracts: (1) p‐aminobenzamidine; (2) magnetic agarose beads; and (3) extraction of a commercial peanut flour at pH 7, respectively. The first two methods were also used to reduce major allergens in cashew extracts. After treatments, samples were evaluated by SDS‐PAGE. pABA‐treated samples were also analyzed for IgE binding in western blot. We found that the methods resulted in peanut extracts lacking detectable Ara h 1 but containing Ara h 2/6 and cashew extract lacking Ana o 1/2, but containing Ana o 3. Consequently, reduced IgE binding was observed. We conclude that the methods are useful for producing peanut or cashew extract with little Ara h 1 or Ana o 1/2.

α-GLUCOSIDASE INHIBITOR AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY ASSAYS OF GUAVA LEAF, CASHEW LEAF AND THE COMBINATIONS AS ANTIDIABETIC AGENT

The leaves of guava and cashew have widely used as antidiabetic. Mechanism of antidiabetic effect on guava and cashew leaf caused by inhibition of α-glucosidase. More over antioxidant activity of guava and cashew leaf are expected decreased risk of DM complications by stop oxidative stress process. This study aimed to analyze the activity of α-glucosidase inhibitor and antioxidant of guava and cashew leaves This study use in vitro model with spectrophotometric method to analyze sample with λ= 517 nm for antioxidant analyze and λ= 405 nm for activity of α-glucosidase inhibitor. The data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Least Significant Difference (LSD) on the real level of 1% and 5% The result showed that guava leaf extract has the highest α-glucosidase inhibitor activity by 97,006 % inhibition with IC50 = 2,16 mg/ml and antioxidant activity by 97,992 % on scavenging DPPH. The combination of guava leaf extract and cashew leaf extract did not give some effect on antioxidant activity or αglucosidase inhibitor activity. The extract of guava and cashew leaves have α-glucosidase inhibitor activity and antioxidant activity. Combination of the extracts did not give some effect on antioxidant activity or α-glucosidase inhibitor activity.

Comparative Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activities of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Guava (Psidium guajava) and Bitter-leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) chewing sticks and Herbal Toothpaste against Streptococcus mutans

The comparative study on the antimicrobial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of four chewing sticks (Anacardium occidentale, Azadirachta indica, Psidium guajava and Vernonia amygdalina) and two herbal tubes of toothpaste (Darbur® and Macleans®) against Streptococcus mutans were evaluated in this study. The preliminary phytochemical screening of ethanolic extract of cashew and neem miswaks (also known as chewing sticks or teeth cleaning twigs made from plants) revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, saponin, tannins, flavonoids and carbohydrate. Aqueous extract revealed the presence of saponin, alkaloids, steroids, and carbohydrates for cashew miswak while flavonoids, alkaloids and carbohydrates were revealed for neem miswak. There was no antibacterial activity observed against Streptococcus mutans by aqueous extracts of Vernonia amygdalina, Azadirachta indica and Anacardium occidentale miswak. The ethanol extract of A. indica had a mean zone of inhibition of 19.6±0.9 mm at 40 mg/ml compared with ethanol extract of A. occidentale 9.3±0.6 mm at the same concentration. Better antibacterial activity was observed for aqueous extract of Psidium guava compared to the ethanolic extract of the same plant. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the activity of Macleans® and Darbur® herbal toothpaste with the mean zone of inhibition being 27.3±0.9 mm and 25.7±1.5 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values observed for ethanolic extract of neem and cashew were 0.625 mg/ml and 2.5 mg/ml respectively while that of herbal tubes of toothpaste examined was 0.313 mg/ml. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between herbal toothpaste and nature’s miswak. The herbal toothpaste used in this study had a much better antibacterial activity than the chewing sticks.

Antibacterial activity of extract of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) on the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis

Antibacterial activity of extract of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) on the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis

An Evaluation of the Antibacterial, Anti-Giardial, Anticancer and Toxicity Properties of Selected Nut Extracts

Background: Foods with high oil and fatty acid contents have been linked with a variety of medicinal properties including bacterial growth inhibition, anti-Giardial activity and the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. Almond, cashew, hazelnut and walnut contain very high fatty acid contents. Despite this, these nuts have not been adequately screened for medicinal properties. Materials and Methods: Almond, cashew, hazelnut and walnut powders were extracted and tested for antimicrobial activity using modified disc diffusion and MIC methods. Inhibitory activity against the gastrointestinal protozoal parasite Giardia duodenalis and against CaCo2 cancer cells were evaluated using colorimetric cell proliferation assays. Toxicity was evaluated using an Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. Results: The methanolic almond and walnut solvent extractions displayed broad spectrumgrowth inhibitory activity, inhibiting the growth of 100 % and 7 of the 11 (64 %) bacterial strains tested respectively. Themethanolic walnut extract was a particularly potent growth inhibitor, with MIC values of ~ 1000 µg/mL, 700 µg/mL and 800 µg/mL against A. baylyi, P. mirabilis and P. vulgaris respectively. The methanolic almond extract also had moderate to inhibitory activity against E. coli (MIC ~ 2000 µg/mL), P. mirabilis and P. vulgaris (both ~ 2500 µg/mL). The methanolic cashew and hazelnut extracts were moderate inhibitors of E. coli growth (~ 2500 and 1250 µg/mL respectively). The methanolic almond extract was also a potent inhibitor of G. Duodenalis proliferation (IC50 878 µg/mL). All extracts were ineffective at blocking the growth of the colorectal cancer cell line CaCo2. Instead, most of the extracts substantially stimulated proliferation. All of the nut extracts were non-toxic in the Artemia nauplii bioassay. Conclusion: The bacterial growth inhibitory activities of the methanolic almond and walnut extracts, the anti-Giardial activity of the methanolic almond extract and their lack of toxicity indicates the potential of these extracts in the discovery and development of new natural antibiotic agents.