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.

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.

Antimicrobial effect of <i>Anacardium occidentale</i>leaf extract against pathogens causing periodontal disease

The oral cavity is perpetually colonized by different species of microorganisms and at times it is difficult to characterize the periodontal pathogen causing breakdown of tissue and bone. But over the years, based on scientific knowledge, it has been observed that various gram negative anaerobic bacteria have been involved with the initiation of periodontal disease. Based on literature reviews, a study was undertaken to investigate the antimicrobial effect of Anacardium occidentale (cashew) leaf extract on Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia. Methanol and aqueous extracts of cashew leaves were prepared. Its antimicrobial activity against P. gingivalis and P. intermedia was tested using the agar diffusion method at various dilutions of 75 μ, 50 μl, 25 μl, 10 μl and 5 μl respectively. 0.2% Clorhexidine gluconate (CHX) was used as control. Cultures of P. gingivalis and P. intermedia strains were maintained on Kanamycin blood agar. The agar plates were then incubated at 37?C for 72 hours after which the zone of inhibition was measured and the mean was recorded for each test solution. The results of this study demonstrated that, for both P. gingivalis and P. intermedia, the highest concentration (75 μl) of both the extracts showed maximum antimicrobial action. For P. ginigvalis, the aqueous extract demonstrated significant inhibitory activity compared to the methanolic extract (p = 0.005), which was comparable to that of CHX. For P. intermedia, similar results were observed with aqueous extract being more effective compared to methanolic (p = 0.007), however, CHX was most effective compared to both the extracts (p = 0.007). This study revealed that Anacardium occidentale leaf extracts have efficient antimicrobial activity against P. gingivalis & P. intermedia. Hence, this preliminary study suggests that the antimicrobial action of A. occidentale leaf could be utilized for the preparation of chemical plaque control formulations.

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.

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 &deg;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.

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.

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%.

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.

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。