Physicochemical, Biochemical and Antioxidant Potential Characterisation of Cashew Apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) from the Agro-Ecological Zone of Casamance (Senegal)

In Africa, the number of undernourished people is increasing at an alarming rate. However, fruits play an important role in humans, especially as a source of vitamins and minerals. In Senegal, there is research on the nut, but no attention given to the cashew apple. The present study contributes to the evaluation of the physicochemical and biochemical properties of cashew apple juice from the eco-geographical area of Casamance, in southern Senegal. The plant material consists of cashew apples collected in June 2021 from 120 cashew trees. Three batches were constituted for this purpose, taking into account the colour of the apples (red, yellow, and orange). AFNOR standardised methods were used for the physicochemical and biochemical characterisation of cashew apple juice. The dry extract, dry matter, and ash content of the red, yellow, and orange varieties ranged from 14 to 14.70 °Brix;12.96% to 14.17%, and 0.24 to 0.35 g/100g respectively. The multivariate analysis of variance by permutation allowed us to identify two groups of cashew apples. The first group, consisting of orange cashew apples, had the best nutritional quality and was very rich in total minerals (0.35 g/100g) and reducing sugars (18.69 mg/100g). The second group, made up of red and yellow apples, is particularly rich in protein (0.52 g/100ml) and antioxidants (43.28% in IP). Antioxidant power is positively correlated with total phenolic content (r = 0.99). Cashew co-products have a high nutritional value and a considerable economic issue.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Anacardium occidentale L. Flowers in Comparison to Bark and Leaves Extracts

Anacardium occidentale L., Anacardiaceae, is frequently used to treat infections. We evaluated the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of extracts obtained from aerial parts of the plant in comparison with the extract prepared with the flowers. Ethanol extracts of the leaves (EEL), stem bark (EEB), and flowers (EEF) were prepared separately. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by agar diffusion and broth dilution methods. The minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations were determined against: Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, Salmonella choleraesuis, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated based on their scavenger capacity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyle. The phytochemical profile was analyzed by colorimetric methods and by HPLC with UV detection. All extracts exhibited antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Although, the EEF was the most effective since it inhibited the growth of all 14 microorganisms tested. Anacardic and galic acids were identified in all extracts as well phenolic compounds, triterpenes, flavones and xanthones. In conclusion, the extracts obtained from the aerial parts of A. occidentale, mainly the extract of flowers that was the most effective, are rich in bioactive metabolites that exert a potent antioxidant and antimicrobial effect. Taken together, the results indicate an important biotechnological potential of A. occidentale as a source of compounds with broad-spectrum antimicrobial and of antioxidant activity to be used in the food and cosmetics industry.

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

Objective： Anocardium 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） ofA. occidentale ethanolic leaf extract （AOEL） and its solvent-soluble portions, and evaluating their effects on histamine-induced paw edema and bronchocon- striction. Methods： The 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 measur- ing 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. Results： Histamine 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）. Conclusion： These 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.

Evaluation of the gastrointestinal anti-motility effect of Anacardium occidentale stem bark extract:A mechanistic study of antidiarrheal activity

Diarrhea is a prevalent gastrointestinal problem associated with fatal implications.It is a huge public health concern that requires better alternatives to current drugs.This study investigated the mechanisms involved in the antidiarrheal activity of Anacardium occidentale(Ao) stem bark extract,a plant commonly used in the management of diarrhea in Nigeria.Methanolic stem bark extract of the plant was partitioned into three fractions:hexane fraction,ethyl acetate fraction(Ao EF) and methanol fraction.In vitro studies on the effect of these fractions on guinea pig ileum(GPI) strips,as well as the modulatory effect of Ao EF on standard agonists-and antagonists-induced GPI contraction and relaxation,revealed Ao EF as the most active fraction.In vivo studies to assess the effect of Ao EF on the dopaminergic,muscarinic,and serotonergic pathways were carried out using gastric emptying(GE) and gastrointestinal transit(GT) as experimental end points.Ao EF was subjected to GC-MS analysis,while the identified compounds were docked with the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3(CHRM3) using Autodock Vina.Results indicated that Ao EF inhibited GE and GT via inhibition of CHRM3.In addition,GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 24 compounds in Ao EF,while docking indicated that octadecanoic acid 2-(2-hydroxylethoxy)ethyl ester exhibited the highest binding affinity to CHRM3.This study indicated that the antidiarrheal activity of Ao is through its antimotility effect via the inhibition of the muscarinic pathway.And since none of the identified compounds exhibited higher binding affinity to CHRM3 relative to loperamide,the antimotility activity of these phytoconstituents may be via synergism.

Phytochemical and Antifungal Activity of Leaf Extracts of Prosopis africana and Anacardium occidentale against Macrophomina Root Rot of Sesamum indicum L. in Benue State, Central Nigeria

This study investigated the antifungal activity of leaf extracts of Prosopis africana and Anacardium occidentale against Macrophomina phaseolina, the causal agent of root rot of Sesamum indicum L. Phytochemical analysis of the two plants showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and anthraquinones in petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol and water extracts. The effectiveness of the two medicinal plants viz: P. africana and A. occidentale was tested against the causative agent of root rot of Sesamum indicum L. The effect of plant leaf extracts on mycelia growth of the test organism shows that both P. africana and A. anacardium reduced the mycelia growth significantly as compared to the control (plate, 2, 3, 4). The antifungal property of P. africana and A. occidentale makes these plants of potential interest for the control of the fungi Macrophomina phaseolina.

Comparative and Computer Assisted Drug Designing of Fatty Acids Isolated from Flowers, Leaves, Stem Bark, Root Bark and Nuts of Semecarpus anacardium L. f. （Anacardiaceae）

Objectives： Computational study will help us in reducing the experimental work. The process of drug discovery involves the designing of molecules with appropriate pharmacophores with the help of various soft wares. The purpose of this paper is to study the probable binding modes of fatty acids on fatty acids after enzymatic hydrolysis of the FAAH （fatty acid amide hydrolase） in different extracts of flowers, leaves, stem bark, root bark and nuts of Semecarpus anacardiurn L. f. by using molecular modeling study and computer assisted drug designing. Nuts yielded 20 fatty acids including saturated, ω-3 unsaturated, ω-6 unsaturated, ω-7 unsaturated and ω-9 unsaturated fatty acids. Based on IR, IH NMR, 13C NMR, MS （mass） spectrometry, GC analysis, the structural elucidation of these isolated fatty acids was established. Methods： A dataset comprising of 20 fatty acids were drawn in ChemDraw and converted into 3D-molecules with all possible tautomers and chiral centers. The minimization of molecules was carried out using PRCG （Polak-Ribiere Conjugate Gradient） method with maximum of 5000 iterations. The minimized compounds were used for protein preparation. The crystal structure of human FAAH （PDB ID： 3K84） is prepared and selected for the docking studies of 20 fatty acids using Schr6dinger docking program module.. Conclusions： In this study, we carried out the molecular docking studies in order to understand the probable binding mode of 20 fatty acids in FAAH from which we identified key active site residues for FAAH, thereby it can be used to design the novel compounds for FAAH targets.

Ethanolic extract of cashew apple inhibits lipid metabolism and ameliorates obesity in atherogenic diet-induced obese rats

Objective:To evaluate the anti-obesity activity of ethanolic extract of cashew apple using various in vitro and in vivo models.Methods:Phytochemical screening was carried out in ethanolic extract of cashew apple,followed by quantification of phenol and flavonoid.Antioxidant potential was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)scavenging assays.The inhibitory effect of ethanolic extract of cashew apple on atic lipase was also studied.In addition,anti-obesity activity was determα-amylase and pancreined in two in vivo models,lipid emulsion model and atherogenic diet-induced obese rat model.Levels of postprandial plasma triglycerides were assessed in lipid emulsion model,whereas serum lipid profile,in vivo antioxidants and histopathological studies of the carotid artery and liver were performed in an atherogenic diet-induced obese model.Results:Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates,alkaloids,polyphenols,terpenoids,and steroids.The in vitro assays showed inhibition of otential.Ethanolic extract of cashew appα-amylase and pancreatic lipase and strong antioxidant ple showed significant and timedependent inhibitory activity on postprandial triglycerides after administration of lipid emulsion for 5 h.Ethanolic extract of cashew apple at 200 and 400 mg/kg on day 60 showed a significant reduction in body weight,body mass index and atherogenic index,whereas lipid profile and liver function marker levels in the serum were decreased in a dose-dependent manner at time intervals(day 0,20,40,and 60)compared to the atherogenic diet-induced obese rats.Histological observations showed reduced non-alcoholic fatty liver deposits and decreased atherosclerotic fatty streak plaques(carotid artery)after treatment with ethanolic extract of cashew apple.Conclusions:Ethanolic extract of cashew apple ameliorates obesity,which may be partly mediated by its delayed absorption of cholesterol and carbohydrates.

Ingestive Behavior and Nutritional and Physiological Parameters of Sheep Fed Diets Based on Cashew Byproduct

Objective of this study was to evaluate the ingestive behavior,feed efficiency,and nutritional and physiological parameters of sheep that were fed diets based on byproducts from the processing of cashew.The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with a 4×2 factorial arrangement with four levels of inclusion(6%,11%,16%,and 21%of cashew byproduct)and two forms of processing—with chemical treatment(CT)and without chemical treatment(NCT).The interaction levels of inclusion of the byproduct of cashew versus chemical treatments was not(P>0.05)for the dry matter intake,consumption of organic matter.No effect was observed(P>0.05)for the intake of dry matter in function of the type of chemical treatment used in the byproduct of cashew.There was no effect of interaction(P<0.05)between levels of inclusion and chemical treatment applied or not on the byproduct of cashew for the coefficients of digestibility of dry matter,organic matter and crude protein(P>0.05).The inclusion of the byproduct of cashew did not influence the behavioral parameters,intake and digestibility of the diets of sheep,being recommended to use up to the level of 21%.

Comparison of Proximate Composition and Nutritional Qualities of Fifty-Three Cashew Accessions from Burkina Faso

Cashew cultivation is growing in Burkina Faso, but nut production remains low. Identification of high-performance plant material with known varietal characteristics is essential for breeding. This study consisted of physical-chemical and nutritional characterization of almonds from a core selection of 53 cashew accessions from Burkina Faso. Proximate composition included contents in water, lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, ash, cellulose using standard methods. Major constituents were lipids with an average level of 50.71% ± 4.07%, followed by carbohydrates and proteins with average levels of 21.18% ± 3.81% and 20.62% ± 1.58%, respectively. Average water, ash and cellulose levels were 4.56% ± 0.39%, 2.87% ± 0.27% and 4.61% ± 2.52%, respectively. The analysis of variability within accessions, based on physical and chemical parameters, identified 3 groups that differ in lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, cellulose and energy value. The first group containing 17 accessions of fat-rich cashews, average protein levels and very high energy values is more interesting for tree improvement programs.

Macrofungal assemblage with two tree species in scrub jungles of south-west India

Macrofungi are common and widespread in scrub jungles of southwest India during monsoon season.Assemblage of macrofungi in the vicinity of two tree species Anacardium occidentale(introduced)and Terminalia paniculata(native)were evaluated.Occurrence on different substrates(soil,leaf litter,wood,bark,seeds,live roots and insect)in and around trees was monitored at weekly intervals up to 12 weeks during southwest monsoon season based on the quadrat method.More number of macrofungi were associated with Terminalia compared to Anacardium(36 vs.22 spp.)and 14 species were in common.The species richness ranged from 2-8,which was almost opposing between tree species on each week with a gradual decline.The sporocarp richness ranged from 3-61 in Anacardium,while it was from 8-132 in Terminalia with two peaks during week 4 and 7 followed by a steep decline.The species accumulation curve reached a plateau after four weeks in Anacardium,while it was exponential in Terminalia until 12 weeks.The Simpson and Shannon diversities were higher in Terminalia compared to Anacardium with low Pielou’s equitability.In Anacardium,mushrooms were found on six substrates with a highest on soil as well as wood(9 spp.),while on seven substrates in Terminalia with a highest in soil(18 spp.).Anacardium was in association with one,while Terminalia with three ectomycorrhizal species.The pattern of distribution and diversity of macrofungi have been compared with earlier studies with different habitats of scrub jungles.

Endophytic Mycobiota Characterization of the Amazonian Mistletoe Cladocolea micrantha Hosted in Cashew Tree

Endophytic fungi were identified from different parts of the medicinal parasitic mistletoe Cladocolea micrantha and from its host Anacardium occidentale, suggesting a strict host-parasite relationship. Eight fungal endophytes were isolated and morphologically characterized. The ascomycete Guignardia mangiferae and strains of Mycelia sterilia were prevalent in the isolations. The unequivocal identification of Guignardia mangiferae at a probabilistic degree close to 100% was carried out by DNA extraction followed by PCR analyses of the ITS-1 and ITS-2 regions and comparison of the genetic sequence with the NCBI database.

75份腰果种质资源的RAPD分析

利用RAPD技术,对75份国内现有的腰果种质资源进行遗传亲缘关系及分类研究。利用45个随机引物对75份腰果种质资源的基因组DNA进行PCR扩增,共扩增出407条谱带,其中多态性谱带为294条,多态率达72.24%,表明75份腰果种质资源具有丰富的多态性。75份国内现有的腰果种质遗传相似性分析结果表明,各种质资源间的遗传相似系数在0.690~0.936之间,平均相似系数为0.841;通过UPGMA法建立了75份腰果种质资源的亲缘关系聚类图,当D=0.79时,将75份腰果种质划分成16个类群。分析结果表明多数来源相同的种质资源表现出较为密切的亲缘关系。

腰果树分泌道超微结构的研究

用透射电镜技术研究了腰果树（AnacardiumoccidentaleL.）末端小枝次生韧皮部分泌道的结构，着重研究了上皮细胞中亲锇物质的形成、积累和排出，这些亲狐物质是分泌道的主要产物．观察表明，在充分发育的上皮细胞中，大量余锇物质出现在细胞质、内质网潴泡和质体中。在细胞质中可以看到大量直径为20～30nm的亲锇的微粒，看来它们能聚集成为大小不等的亲锇物质的团块。这些亲锇物质的团块常常附着在内膜系统上。在高分辨率电镜下，内质网潴泡和细胞质中的亲锇物质团块呈现出髓鞘状结构，它们由紧密堆积的片层状结构组成，在校切面上呈黑白相间的条纹，一个照条纹和一个白条纹的宽度约为5nm．细胞质中的余锇物质的团块被排出上皮细胞之前首先与质膜融合，被分隔至质膜与细胞壁之间，最后通过松散的细胞壁进入分泌沮的腔．

越南腰果病虫害种类调查及其防治

为了摸清越南腰果种植区发生的腰果病虫害种类,对越南巴地-头顿、平福、平顺、林同、同奈、隆安、前江、槟椥等腰果种植区的病虫害进行了系统调查与鉴定。结果表明,越南腰果种植区的腰果病害10种,害虫46种。其中主要病害有炭疽病和花枝回枯病,主要害虫有腰果角盲蝽、腰果皱胸天牛和咖啡皱胸天牛。还对越南主要腰果病虫害提出了相应的防治措施。

腰果种仁脂肪酸GC-MS分析

为探讨采用GC-MS对腰果种仁中的脂肪酸分析的可行性。利用索氏提取法提取腰果种仁中的脂肪酸,经甲酯化处理后,采用气相色谱-质谱(GC-MS)联用技术对所得脂肪酸进行成分分析和鉴定。结果共分离出16种化合物,占脂肪酸总量的99.84%。腰果种仁主要的脂肪酸成分为油酸38.02%,亚油酸39.66%,棕榈酸6.45%,棕榈油酸3.13%,硬脂酸3.09%,亚麻酸4.34%。

腰果种子发芽率的快速测定方法

比较了4种快速测定腰果(AnacardiumoccidentaleL.)种子发芽率方法的准确性。结果表明:对不同贮藏时间的腰果种子,TTC染色法的测定结果准确可靠,检出率与发芽率相同,是快速测定腰果新鲜度的有效方法;外观和品尝法的鉴定结果准确度低,误差较大;电导率的测定需时短,简捷快速,准确性受标准参照物的影响;红墨水染色法虽不需设备和特殊药品,但结果与发芽率相比较,有一定差异。

云南省金平县腰果冷害状况调查初报

对云南省金平县勐拉乡腰果园成年腰果树冷害状况进行调查.结果表明:该地腰果园成年腰果树有较严重的冷害发生.不同坡向及腰果类型间的冷害程度存在一定差异.根据拟定的冷害分级标准,南坡和坡顶腰果树受害程度较轻,东坡和东南坡受害较严重.开花早的A类型受冷害程度比晚开花B类型严重.冷害级别主要集中在4级,绝大多数叶片失绿,部分植株甚至干枯死亡.显示持续低温天气已经对该地腰果生产造成严重影响.

腰果生物学特性和高产生境的分析

本文对腰果的分布状况、物候期植株变化和生物学特性进行了观测，并检验分析了高产地环境条件光照、温度、土壤和地形等因素对腰果生长发育及产量的影响。

腰果幼龄树的管理技术

介绍了腰果(Anacardium occidentale)幼龄树的管理技术,为腰果种植户掌握腰果幼龄树的栽培技术要素提供参考,促进腰果种植业的发展。