Cashew Research Articles

One step beyond for CNSL‐based plasticizers for PVC: Use of cardol

AbstractPoly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is a widely employed plastic across diverse industries and is often associated with plasticizers, additives that decrease the inherent rigidity and brittleness of the material. Conventional phthalate‐based plasticizers raise substantial toxicity concerns, encouraging the exploration of bio‐based alternatives. One such alternative is the inedible oil, cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL), mainly composed of cardanol and cardol. Recent efforts have focused on developing a cardanol‐based PVC plasticizers but the isolation of cardanol involves time‐consuming, energy‐intensive, and costly steps, limiting its market competitiveness. This study aims to assess for the first time, the efficiency of cardol esters, synthesized using acetic acid and different fatty acids (octanoic acid and myristic acid), in order to evaluate the influence of the alkyl chain on plasticizer properties. The chemical structures of these plasticizers were fully characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, and the mechanical properties and thermal behavior of PVC films plasticized with these additives were investigated. Finally, the endocrine activity was evaluated for cardol and cardanol acetates.

Comparative Study of Producer’s Post-Harvest Practices and Quality of Cashew Nuts (Anacardium occidentale L.) Produced in Five Localities of Sub-prefecture of Katogo, Far North of Côte d'Ivoire

Post-harvest practices of cashew nuts by producers are essential for improving the quality of cashew nuts. This study was carried out to contribute to improving the quality of cashew nuts produced in 5 localities in the Katogo sub-prefecture. Socilogical survey and post-harvest practices were carried out among producers in Sologneugo, Kaniéné, Koliani, Nidienkaha and Tiorotieri in order to evaluate these practices on the quality of cashew nuts. Quality parameters of the cashew nuts produced were determined according to the quality criteria defined by the Ivorian standard. Study revealed non-compliance with certain CCA (cotton council cashew) instructions. In the 5 localities, 44% of producers stored nuts in homes compared to 56% in stores. In addition, 30% of floor storage was achieved compared to 52% on boards and 18% on bricks. Drying carried out for 3 days was carried out by 55% of producers while those who carried out beyond 3 days represented 45%. Determination of the quality parameters of the 5 localities revealed values varying from 7 to 8.55%; 65 to 143 nuts/Kg; 3 to 61% and 48.40 to 49.80 Ib respectively for humidity, graining, defect rate and KOR. Non-compliance with the application of post-harvest operations has negatively impacted the quality of cashew nuts produced in the 5 localities. Producers in these localities must be made aware of respecting post-harvest operations in order to improve their income.

EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RAINFALL AND CROP YIELD AND BEST PRACTICES ADOPTION USING PARTICIPATORY APPROACH.

Crop yield is a standard measurement for the amount of agricultural production. Sustainable agriculture demands an increase in crop yield. This study deals with rainfed agriculture; hence, precipitation becomes the driving factor for crop yield. Heat maps are used to examine the rainfall and crop yield correlations. ML is an essential tool in decision-making, and many ML algorithms are available for prediction. This study uses the ML algorithms to predict whether the crop yield will increase with increased rainfall. Logistic regression, Decision tree classifier, Random Forest classifier, and XGBoost classifier are the algorithms chosen for analysis. Altogether this region consists of forty crops but focuses on five predominant annual crops. Implementation-based results are the universal goal of every research which society needs. The chances of implementation are associated with two major components: the reliability of the results and society's willingness. Analysis of these components needs ground truthing and Participatory Rural Appraisal, respectively. Farmers and villagers filled out a questionnaire about the details required for this study. The survey was an active approach to collecting necessary information from the participants. The survey showed positive results among one hundred and fifty samples from six blocks. Finally, cashew nut, sugarcane, and turmeric showed good dependency on the precipitation, and around 88% of villagers are ready to implement the results derived from ML algorithms.

ERRATUM: Assessment of the Effect of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Nut-Supplemented Diet on Key Biochemical Indices Relevant to Cardiac Function in Cisplatin-Induced Cardiotoxic Rats

ERRATUM: Assessment of the Effect of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Nut-Supplemented Diet on Key Biochemical Indices Relevant to Cardiac Function in Cisplatin-Induced Cardiotoxic Rats

Phenolic and Anti-Nutrients Compositions of Selected Underutilized Seeds: African Oil Bean Seed (Pentaclethra macrophylla), Cashew Nut Seed (Anacardium occidentale), Cucumeropsis Seed (Cucurbita maxima), Groundnut Seed (Arachis hypogeal) and Soya Bean Seed (Glycine max)

The study aimed to assess the levels of anti- nutrients and phenolic compounds in under-utilized seeds such as African oil bean seed (Pentaclethra macrophylla), cashew nut seed (Anacardium occidentale), cucumeropsis seed (Cucurbita maxima), groundnut seed (Arachis hypogeal), and soya bean seed (Glycine max). The goal was to understand the impact of these compounds on the nutritional value of the seeds and to identify potential preventive measures. Neglected and under-utilized crops are plant species that have historically been used for food, fiber, fodder, oil, or medicinal purposes but have diminished in importance over time due to specific supply and utilization constraints. These constraints may include poor shelf life, unrecognized nutritional value, low consumer awareness, and reputational issues (such as being considered famine food or "poor people’s food," often due to changes in agricultural practices). Anti- nutrients are substances commonly present in food that can be harmful to humans and can limit the availability of nutrients to the body. Sun-dried soya bean and groundnut seeds were ground, while African oil bean, cucumeropsis, and cashew nut seeds were mechanically dehulled and ground without heat. Oxalate and phytate levels were determined through titration, and carotenoid levels were determined spectrophotometrically. Various methods were used to determine the presence of tannins, trypsin inhibitors, cyanogenic glycosides, hemagglutinins, saponins, alkaloids, phenols, steroids, and flavonoids. It was found that African oil bean seed had higher concentrations of the analyzed anti-nutrients and phenolic compounds compared to the other seeds studied.

Evaluating Cashew Tree Gum as A Potential Vaccine Carrier: Purification, Phytochemical Analysis and Biocompatibility Assessment

Evaluating Cashew Tree Gum as A Potential Vaccine Carrier: Purification, Phytochemical Analysis and Biocompatibility Assessment

Extraction of Anacardium occidentale: a kinetic, thermodynamic, phytochemical identification, and antibacterial study

Cashew tree biomass, Anacardium occidentale, represents an underutilized part of the plant and could have great potential for application in several areas, such as bioengineering, food science, and chemical. The stirred bed process was optimized to produce extracts from Anacardium occidentale stem bark (SBAo) and leaves (LAo) for bactericide purposes. Variables as alcohol content, stirring speed (SS), particle size (PS), solid-to-solvent ratio (S/S), temperature, and extraction time were evaluated. Subsequently, kinetic, thermodynamic and diffusivity fittings of the data were performed using different nonlinear models (Peleg, 2nd order, Elovich, power law, and Fick’s 2nd law) applied to the yield curves. Extracts were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHRMS) techniques for qualitative and quantitative determination of the phytochemicals. The optimized operating conditions obtained were ethanol in solvent at 70%, PS < 45 μm, 1200 rpm SS, 1/10 S/S ratio, and extraction time of 1 h at 50 ºC. The 2nd order kinetic model was the one that presented the best fits: SBAo (R2 > 0.9893 and RMSE < 3.4293) and LAo (R2 > 0.9985 and RMSE < 3.1117). Both A. occidentale extracts showed high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids, such as anacardic acid. Finally, the optimized extracts showed antibacterial susceptibility, with larger halos against S. aureus, 0.88± 0.07 mm (SBAo) and 0.45 ± 0.03 mm (LAo), in relation to E. coli, 0.80 ± 0.10 mm (SBAo) and 0.69 ± 0.08 mm (LAo).

Mixed bio-based surfactant-templated mesoporous silica for supporting palladium catalyst

The study aimed on the synthesis of bio-based surfactant-templated mesoporous silica for supporting palladium catalyst using mixed bio-based templating agents namely cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) and castor oil for pore direction purposes. The materials prepared through co-condensation of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in a 1:4 M ratio using 1:1, 4:1 and 9:1 ratio of CNSL and castor oil. The resulting porous materials were utilized to support the palladium(II) chloride catalyst, resulting in a heterogeneous catalyst-a better and more environmentally friendly catalyst than a homogeneous one. Different instruments were used to characterize the prepared materials such as nitrogen porosimeter, Powder X-ray Diffraction, Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy and Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Physisorption studies of the prepared materials indicated that the largest pore diameter of 43.84 nm could be obtained by using a 1:1 M ratio of CNSL and castor oil. On the other hand, the largest surface area of 209 m2/g was obtained from a 9:1 whereas the largest pore volume was 1.55 cm3/g from a 4:1. Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of N-H group, the bending vibration bands at around 1640 and 1543 cm−1 indicating that the reaction of organoaminesilanes and tetraethyl orthosilicate had occurred. The palladium content of the supported catalyst was determined by ICP-OES which confirmed the attachment of palladium to the synthesized materials. The highest palladium loading was obtained from the adsorbent prepared by using 1:1 ratio of surfactants mixture which gave the adsorption value of 2.16 mmol/g. Powder X-ray Diffraction indicated that the synthesized organosilica materials are amorphous with improved crystallinity upon attachment of palladium catalyst. The incorporation of palladium in the synthesized materials using the mixed bio-based surfactant was successful.

Analisis Perdagangan di Sulawesi Tenggara

Trade is one of the crucial elements in a country's economy, playing a vital role in supporting regional and national economic growth. Through trade, a region can meet its needs and distribute its production to other areas, both domestically and internationally. Southeast Sulawesi Province, as one of the regions on the island of Sulawesi, has great potential in trade, particularly in the agricultural and industrial sectors. This province has made a significant contribution to the country's foreign exchange reserves through export and import activities. This study aims to analyze the development of trade in Southeast Sulawesi Province, focusing on the export-import performance and the region's main commodities. The method used is descriptive, utilizing secondary data obtained from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). The results show that in 2024, Southeast Sulawesi experienced a trade surplus, where the value of exports exceeded the value of imports. The largest surplus was recorded in January 2024, amounting to 256.38 million US dollars. Three major commodities contribute significantly to the province's trade, namely cloves with a transaction value of IDR 480.74 billion, cocoa at IDR 248.74 billion, and cashew nuts at IDR 230.75 billion. These three commodities not only serve as flagship products for the local economy but also have a positive impact on the national economy. The findings of this study suggest that with proper management, the trade potential of Southeast Sulawesi can continue to grow, contributing even more to Indonesia's overall economy.

Perancangan Usaha dan Kelayakan Pembukaan Usaha Kinar Mete di Kota Surabaya

Kinar Mete is a business in the food sector, especially selling cashew nuts, which has been established in 2008 with its production center in Wonogiri. The increasing public interest and consumption of nuts has made the owner of Kinar Mete see the opportunity to expand his business to the city of Surabaya. The feasibility analysis method is used to assess the feasibility of business expansion which includes market, technical, financial aspects as well as sensitivity and risk analysis. The market aspect study obtained from the results of distributing questionnaires to the people of Surabaya City shows that the potential market is 85.33%, the available market is 74%, and the target market is 0.07%. The technical aspect study shows that the business building covers an area of 260 m2 with a workforce of 4 people with working hours Monday-Friday 07.30-16.30 WIB. Financially, the project costs required are IDR 472,955,940. The results of the feasibility study show an NPV of IDR 326,737,829, an IRR of 27.89%, and a PBP of 4.13 years, which shows that the business is worth establishing. Sensitivity analysis shows that business feasibility is sensitive to an increase in raw material costs of 22.38%, labor costs of 57.68%, a decrease in demand of 11.74%, and selling prices of 8.90%. Risk analysis shows that the risk presentation that can occur is 6.35% so that the MARR with a risk of 16.35% results in an NPV value of IDR 180,581,654, an IRR of 27.89%, and a PBP of 4.37 years, which indicates the business remains viable.

Intervention of roasted cashew nut supplement against endothelial renal vasoconstriction disease in hypertensive rats exposed to mixed-fractionated petroleum products

Intervention of roasted cashew nut supplement against endothelial renal vasoconstriction disease in hypertensive rats exposed to mixed-fractionated petroleum products

Application of different levels of NPK along with soil and foliar application of zinc and boron on yield, quality and nutrient content of cashew nut for increasing quality parameter, in lateritic soil of Konkan

Application of different levels of NPK along with soil and foliar application of zinc and boron on yield, quality and nutrient content of cashew nut for increasing quality parameter, in lateritic soil of Konkan

Daya Saing Kacang Mete Indonesia Di Pasar Negara Tujuan Ekspor

Cashew nuts (Anacardium occidentale) are a leading plantation commodity with high economic value, essential for the development of the agricultural industry. Despite their significant potential as an export commodity, the export value of Indonesian cashew nuts has tended to decline during the period from 2013 to 2022. The aim of this study is to measure the competitiveness and development position of Indonesian cashew nuts from 2013 to 2022 in export destination countries. The data used in this research are secondary data in the form of time series data. The time series data includes annual data over 10 years (2013-2022) with export destination countries being Vietnam, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Japan, and China. The methods used in this study are the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), Export Product Dynamics (EPD), and X-Model Potential Export Product methods. The results of the study show the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) and Export Product Dynamics (EPD) values of Indonesian cashew nuts for the period 2013-2022 in the Vietnamese market with an RCA of 4.47 and a Lost Opportunity market position, India at 0.88 with a Retreat status, Singapore at 0.019 with a Falling Star status, Malaysia at 0.43 with a Lost Opportunity status, Sri Lanka at 21.55 with a Falling Star status, Japan at 7.36 with a Falling Star status, and China at 0.21 with a Rising Star market position. Meanwhile, the X-Model analysis shows that the market potential in Vietnam, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Malaysia is classified as potential markets, the market potential in China is classified as an optimistic market, and the market potential in India is classified as a less potential market. As an export commodity, cashew nuts require proper handling and special attention. To ensure the quality, selling value, and strong competitiveness of cashew nuts, the government must continuously strive to enhance the selling value of cashew nuts through plantation development, garden and plant maintenance, and processing improvements.

Analysis of Total Phenolics, Flavonoids, and Antioxidant Activity of Cashew Leaf Extract (Anacardium occidentale L.) with Varying Ethanol Concentrations

This study evaluated the effectiveness of various ethanol concentrations (50%, 70%, and 96%) in extracting bioactive compounds from cashew leaves (Anacardium occidentale). Parameters analyzed included total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity using the DPPH and H2O2 methods. The results showed that the 70% ethanol extract produced the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content as well as significant antioxidant activity compared to other ethanol concentrations. This study offers practical insights for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical industries in selecting the optimal solvents for cashew leaf extraction. Additionally, the analysis showed that the 70% ethanol extract offered an optimal balance between extraction efficiency and antioxidant activity, making it the most efficient solvent for commercial use.

The Potential Benefits and Mechanism of Action of Tropical Nuts Against Metabolic Syndrome: A Literature Review

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a significant risk factor for both type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, with a high prevalence in Asia Pacific, particularly in Indonesia. To reduce its prevalence, several studies have recommended the use of tropical nuts, which can be developed as functional foods and complementary treatment. In this context, the bioactivities of tropical nuts can largely be attributed to their rich content of monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber, minerals, vitamins, phytosterols, and polyphenols. Objectives: This literature review aims to evaluate the potential benefits and mechanism of action of tropical nuts against metabolic syndrome. Methods: The study design was a literature review of several articles from 3 online databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Discussions: The results showed that tropical nuts (peanut, sacha inchi, cashew, tropical almond, and Brazil nut) had several biologically active components, such as arginine, fiber, fatty acid, mineral, vitamin, phenolic compounds, resveratrol, and phytosterol. The test samples were reported to have the ability to modulate Nrf2, SOD, MDA, GSH, GPx, and CAT due to their antioxidant activity. In inflammation, tropical nuts had a significant effect on NF-κB, NLRP3, TNF-ɑ, IL-8, IL-1ꞵ, IL-6, and IL-10. The results also showed their ability to enhance lipid synthesis, nitric oxide production, advanced glycation end-product, prostaglandin, SIRT3, homocysteine, protein kinase C, adhesion molecules, platelet aggregation, GLP-1, PYY, AGRP, PPARɑ/ꞵ/δ, GLUT4, and insulin receptor. Conclusions: Tropical nuts had beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome due to their bioactivities, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-dyslipidemia, and cardioprotective.

Enzyme‑assisted extraction of cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) testa

Enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) has been successfully applied to extract polyphenols from various food materials and by-products. Hence, the present research aimed to valorize the cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) testa by EAE method using an enzyme cocktail of cellulase and pectinase. The effects of different processing parameters, including the pH (3.0 - 6.0), temperature (30 - 70°C), extraction time (60 - 150 min), solid -to-solvent ratio (1/5 - 1/85), and enzyme concentration (0.1 - 0.4% v/v) on the total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity of the testa extracts were investigated. The results showed that the TPC of the testa extracts positively correlated with the antioxidant capacity. The EAE performed at pH 4.0, a temperature of 50°C, an extraction time of 60 mins, a solid-to-solvent ratio of 1/55, and an enzyme concentration of 0.2% (v/ v) resulted in the highest TPC (168.84 g GAE/kg DW) with DPPH and ABTS antioxidant activity of 885.56 and 1513.60 (mmol TE/kg DW), respectively. The EAE technique holds significant promise as a sustainable approach to mitigate the underutilization and undervaluation of cashew nut testa waste, which could otherwise contribute to environmental pollution.

LDT409 (pan-PPAR partial agonist) mitigates metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in high-fructose-fed mice

AimThis study sought to evaluate the effects of LDT409, a pan-PPAR partial agonist obtained from the main industrial waste from cashew nut processing, on hepatic remodeling, highlighting energy metabolism and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in high-fructose-fed mice. MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice received a control diet (C) or a high-fructose diet (HFRU) for ten weeks. Then, a five-week treatment started: C, C-LDT409, HFRU, and HFRU-LDT409. The LDT409 (40 mg/kg of body weight) was mixed with the diets. ResultsThe HFRU diet caused insulin resistance and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. High Pparg and decreased Ppara expression increased steatosis and pro-fibrogenic gene expression in livers of HFRU-fed mice. Suppressed lipogenic factors, orchestrated by PPAR-gamma, and mitigated ER stress concomitant with the increase in beta-oxidation driven by PPAR-alpha mediated the LDT409 beneficial effects. ConclusionsLDT409 may represent a potential low-cost approach to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, which does not currently have a specific treatment.

Extraction of cell wall pectins and hemicellulose from agro-industrial wastes: A sustainable alternative source

The efficient repurposing of agro-industrial waste has significantly enhanced the utilization of food resources. This study aims to propose a methodology for extracting cell wall polysaccharides from residues of mango (Mangifera indica), passion fruit (Passiflora edulis), and cashew (Anacardium occidentale). Polysaccharide fractions were obtained through sequential extraction protocols involving water, cyclohexane-trans-1,2-diamine tetracetate (CDTA), sodium carbonate:CDTA, and potassium hydroxide. These fractions were categorized as water-soluble pectin (WSP), CDTA-soluble pectin (CSP), sodium carbonate-soluble pectin (SSP), and hemicellulose (HC), respectively. Each polysaccharide fraction was characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). Monosaccharide composition was determined using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). NMR spectra of WSP, CSP, and SSP fractions exhibited characteristic pectin features, while the HC fraction primarily comprised hemicellulose. Consequently, the proposed methodology demonstrates potential as a standardized protocol for the extraction of pectin and hemicellulose from various food sources.

Nutrient responsiveness and correlation analysis of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) cv. Balabhadra for vegetative, reproductive traits and nut yield under coastal Odisha condition

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of nutrient management approaches on vegetative, reproductive growth and yield of cashew, Anacardium occidentale L. cv. Balabhadra. Methodology: Trial was conducted during 2021-22 to 2022-23 to study the foliar application of different macro, secondary and micro- nutrients of cashew plant. The experiment was designed in RBD with six treatments and four replications. Foliar spraying was done at three stages viz., pre-flowering, flowering and nut set stages. Results: Treatment schedules i.e., 100% RDF+10 kg FYM/plant /year+ foliar spray of major nutrients (3% urea+0.5% MAP+1% K2SO4)+ foliar spray of secondary and micro-nutrients (0.5 % ZnSO4 + 0.1 % Solubor + 0.5 % MgSO4) witnessed better performance of cashew for most of the vegetative and reproductive traits under study. Multivariate analysis showed formation of five principal components, where PC1 contributed maximum (97.80 %) towards total variance. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis revealed positive association of yield relevant traits (P &lt; 0.001) and negative correlation for number of flowering laterals and nut drop (%). Interpretation: Foliar spraying of macro, secondary and micronutrients in combination significantly influenced the vegetative and reproductive traits which may influence the nut yield of cashew. Key words: Cashew, Foliar spray, Nutrients

Draft genome sequence of two Aspergillus aculeatus isolated from cashew nuts from coastal Kenya.

Aspergillus aculeatus is a common saprophyte and ubiquitous fungus belonging to section Nigri. They produce diverse secondary metabolites which are important in biological processes and industrial applications. We present the draft genome sequences of two A. aculeatus isolated from cashew nuts from coastal Kenya.