ABSTRACT
The emergence of pathogenic bacteria that are resistant to several antibiotics has recently presented a significant challenge to the healthcare system. Therefore, an alternative source of antimicrobial agents is needed. The study aimed to compare the antibacterial activities of aqueous and ethanol extracts of ripe and unripe fruits of red and yellow varieties of Anacardium occidentale against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Cold maceration method of extraction was used using water and ethanol. Antibacterial activities of the extracts against the isolates were evaluated by agar diffusion method while minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using broth dilution method. In the determination of the antibacterial activities of all the extracts, the highest zones of inhibition were shown by ethanolic extracts of both ripe red cashew (25 mm) and yellow cashew (26 mm) against Escherichia coli. Both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of unripe red and yellow cashew had no antibacterial effect against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. As well, both aqueous and ethanol extracts of ripe red and yellow cashew and ethanolic extract of ripe yellow cashew inhibited all the test organisms. Minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 50 to 150 mg/ml. At 100 mg/ml, both ethanolic extracts of ripe red and yellow cashew were bactericidal to Escherichia coli while aqueous extract of ripe red cashew was bactericidal to Escherichia coli at 150 mg/ml. The antibacterial activities of A. occidentale apple (fruit) extracts underscore the credence to the efficacy of their use as traditional remedy against some human ailments.
Subject(s)
AnacardiumABSTRACT
These studies focus on the toxicity leaf hexane extract of A. occidentale L (Anacardiaceae) used in Cameroon traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes and hypertension. Previous findings on antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory have given support to the ethnopharmacological applications of the plant. After acute oral administration; it was found that doses of the extract less than 6 g/kg are not toxic. Signs of toxicity at high doses were asthenia; anorexia; diarrhoea; and syncope. The LD50 of the extract; determined in mice of both sexes after oral administration was 16 g/kg. In the subchronic study; mice received A. occidentale at doses of 6; 10 and 14 g/kg (by oral route) for 56 days. At doses of 2; 6 and 10 g/kg of extract; repeated oral administration to mice produced a reduction in food intake; weight gain; and behavioural effects. Liver or the kidney function tests were assessed by determining serum parameters like; creatinine; transaminases; and urea. All these parameters were significantly (p0.01) abnormal. Histopatological studies revealed evidence of microcopic lesions either in the liver or in the kidney which may be correlated with biochemical disturbances. We conclude that toxic effects of A. occidentale L hexane leaf extract occurred at higher doses than those used in Cameroon folk medicine
Subject(s)
Anacardium/toxicity , Diabetes Mellitus/therapy , Hexanes , Hypertension/therapy , Plant ExtractsABSTRACT
These studies focus on the toxicity leaf hexane extract of A. occidentale L (Anacardiaceae) used in Cameroon traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes and hypertension. Previous findings on antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory have given support to the ethnopharmacological applications of the plant. After acute oral administration; it was found that doses of the extract less than 6 g/kg are not toxic. Signs of toxicity at high doses were asthenia; anorexia; diarrhoea; and syncope. The LD50 of the extract; determined in mice of both sexes after oral administration was 16 g/kg. In the subchronic study; mice received A. occidentale at doses of 6; 10 and 14 g/kg (by oral route) for 56 days. At doses of 2; 6 and 10 g/kg of extract; repeated oral administration to mice produced a reduction in food intake; weight gain; and behavioural effects. Liver or the kidney function tests were assessed by determining serum parameters like; creatinine; transaminases; and urea. All these parameters were significantly (p0.01) abnormal. Histopatological studies revealed evidence of microcopic lesions either in the liver or in the kidney which may be correlated with biochemical disturbances. We conclude that toxic effects of A. occidentale L hexane leaf extract occurred at higher doses than those used in Cameroon folk medicine