Anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory constituents of leaf extracts of Anacardium occidentale L. in animal models / 中西医结合学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Anacardium 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) of A. occidentale ethanolic leaf extract (AOEL) and its solvent-soluble portions, and evaluating their effects on histamine-induced paw edema and bronchoconstriction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>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 measuring 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.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>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).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>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.</p>

Physical and chemical characteristics of cashew nut flour stored and packaged with different packages

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical and chemical changes in cashew nut flour under different packaging and storage conditions. The flour samples were characterized according to their chemical composition, packaged in polystyrene trays associated with covering chloride polyvinyl (PVC), plastic pot of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), plastic packaging polyethylene (POL) and without coating polystyrene trays (CON). All packages were stored for 225 days, evaluating every 45 days the moisture content of the flour as well as extracting their oil by the cold method for characterization on the following indexes: acidity, saponification, iodine, peroxide and refraction. There was slight and gradual increase in the moisture content from the 45th to the 225th day, especially for products packaged in PVC and without coating polystyrene trays (CON). The oil saponification indexes showed gradual decrease during storage, especially in flour without packaging (CON). There was a gradual increase in the iodine index until the 135th day, followed by decay. The acidity and peroxide indexes increased along with the storage time. However packages with lower oxygen and moisture permeability, such as PET and POL, minimized such changes, being therefore the most suitable for long-term storage.

Análisis preliminar de los metabolitos secundarios de polvos mixtos de hojas de plantas medicinales / Preliminary analysis of secondary metabolites in mixed powders of leaves of medicinal plants

Introducción: el tamizaje fitoquímico de una planta brinda una percepción sobre los posibles beneficios medicinales; la literatura refiere información de esta determinación en las hojas deAnacardium occidentale L., Psidium guajava L., Morinda citrifolia L. y Moringa oleifera Lam. , no obstante, en cuanto al polvo mixto de sus hojas no se encontró información disponible. Objetivo: determinar los metabolitos secundarios mediante tamizaje fitoquímico a los polvos mixtos de hojas de A. occidentale, P. guajava, M. citrifolia y M. oleifera. Métodos: se recolectaron las hojas de las plantas en estudio, estas se deshidrataron a temperatura ambiente y artificial, seguidamente se trituraron a 1 mm de tamaño de partículas. Para la elaboración de las muestras se tomó el polvo seco obtenido de las hojas y se mezcló en cinco proporciones. Luego, se realizó el tamizaje fitoquímico a los extractos hidro-alchólicos obtenidos de las muestras. Resultados: el tamizaje fitoquímico de los polvos mixtos no detectó resinas, ni flavonoides, excepto en la muestra 4, que se observó este último metabolito. Las quinonas abundan en todas las muestras, excepto en el ensayo 1, que se detectó poca presencia. Además, las proporciones 1, 2 y 3 presentaron saponinas y los alcaloides se identificaron en las muestras 1, 4 y 5, así como, las coumarinas se observaron en las muestras con mayores proporciones de las plantas individuales. Los otros metabolitos secundarios se detectaron con baja presencia en todas las mezclas. Conclusiones: de acuerdo al análisis preliminar de los metabolitos secundarios de los polvos mixtos de hojas de P. guajava, A. occidentale, M. oleifera y M. citrifolia, se sugiere el estudio de estas mezclas medicinales como aditivo fitoquímico en las dietas de los animales, como primer estudio biológico(AU)

Introduction: Phytochemical screening of a plant provides insight into its potential medicinal uses. Phytochemical data about the leaves of Anacardium occidentale L., Psidium guajava L., Morinda citrifolia L. and Moringa oleifera Lam. may be found in the literature. However, no information was found about the mixed powder of these leaves. Objective: Perform phytochemical screening of mixed powders of leaves of A. occidentale, P. guajava, M. citrifolia and M. oleifera to determine their secondary metabolites. Methods: Leaves of the study plants were collected, dehydrated at ambient and room temperature and crushed to 1 mm particles. The study samples were formed by mixing the dry powder from the leaves at five proportions. Phytochemical screening was then conducted of the hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from the samples. Results: Phytochemical screening of the mixed powders did not detect any resins or flavonoids, except in sample 4, where the latter metabolite was found. Quinones are abundant in all samples, except for assay 1, where they were scant. Proportions 1, 2 and 3 contained saponins; alkaloids were identified in samples 1, 4 and 5; and coumarines were found in the samples with greater proportions of individual plants. The remaining secondary metabolites had a low presence in all the mixtures. Conclusions: Based on the preliminary analysis of secondary metabolites in mixed powders of leaves of P. guajava, A. occidentale, M. oleifera and M. citrifolia, it is suggested to study these medicinal mixtures as phytochemical additives in animal feed as a first biological study(AU)

Efecto de la suplementación dietética del polvo de hojas de Anacardium occidentale L. (marañón) en la producción y calidad del huevo de gallinas ponedoras / Effect of dietary supplementation with Anacardium occidentale L. (cashew) leaf powder on the productivity and egg quality of laying hens

Introducción: las hojas de Anacardium occidentale L. se han utilizado con efectividad para combatir diversas afecciones en aves, cerdos, cobayos, ovinos, conejos, bovinos y humanos. A pesar de todos los beneficios medicinales, para nuestro conocimiento pocas investigaciones se han desarrollado como aditivo en las dietas de las gallinas ponedoras. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto fitobiótico del polvo de hojas de A. occidentale en la productividad y calidad del huevo de gallinas ponedoras. Métodos: se realizó previamente un tamizaje fitoquímico al extracto hidro-alcohólico de las hojas secas de la planta en estudio; seguido se utilizaron 160 gallinas White Leghorn (Híbrido L-33) de 27 semanas de edad en pleno pico de puesta durante 70 días, según diseño totalmente aleatorizado con cuatro tratamientos del polvo de hojas de A. occidentale. (0; 0,5; 1,0 y 1,5 por ciento). Resultados: en las hojas de A. occidentale se detectó una alta cualificación de coumarinas (++), no así para las quinonas y resinas (-), los otros análisis mostraron detecciones leves (+). Los resultados en gallinas ponedoras no evidenciaron morbimortalidad con la adición de este polvo en las dietas. La adición de 0,5 por ciento mejoró (p< 0,05) la producción (80,18 a 86,32 por ciento) y peso del huevo (53,08 a 54,75 g), no obstante, los huevos no aptos y la calidad externa e interna del huevo no mostraron diferencias significativas (p> 0,05) entre tratamientos, excepto la intensidad del color de la yema (7) que incrementó (p< 0,05) con la adición de 0,5 por ciento del polvo. Conclusiones: el polvo de hojas de A. occidentale tiene una amplia variedad de metabolitos secundarios beneficiosos, así, la suplementación dietética de 0,5 por ciento incrementa la producción y peso del huevo, sin afectar su calidad externa e interna, excepto el color de la yema(AU)

Introduction: Leaves of Anacardium occidentale L. have proved effective against various conditions in poultry, pigs, guinea pigs, sheep, rabbits, bovines and humans. Despite all its medicinal benefits, few studies have been conducted about its use as additive in the diet of laying hens. Objective: Evaluate the phytobiotic effect of leaves of A. occidentale on the productivity and egg quality of laying hens. Methods: Phytochemical screening was previously performed of the hydroalcoholic extract of dry leaves of the study plant, followed by selection of 160 White Leghorn hens (Hybrid L-33) aged 27 weeks and in their peak laying period to be used during 70 days, according to a design of total randomization to four treatments with powder of A. occidentale leaves (0; 0.5; 1.0 and 1.5 percent). Results: A. occidentale leaves were found to have a high content of coumarins (++) and a low content of quinones and resins (-). The remaining analyses revealed mild detections (+). Results in laying hens did not show any morbidity or mortality with addition of the powder to their diet. Addition of 0.5 percent improved (p< 0.05) production (80.18 to 86.32 percent) and egg weight (53.08 to 54.75 g). However, no significant differences were found between the treatments with respect to unsuitable eggs and internal and external egg quality (p> 0.05), except for yolk color intensity (7), which increased (p< 0.05) with the addition of 0.5 percent of the powder. Conclusions: Powder of A. occidentale leaves contains a wide variety of beneficial secondary metabolites. Therefore, dietary supplementation of 0.5 percent increases production and egg weight without affecting external and internal quality, except for yolk color(AU)

Wettability and morphology of the leaf surface in cashew tree from the Amazon, Northern Brazil / Molhabilidade e morfologia da superfície da folha em cajueiro da Amazônia na Região Norte do Brasil

Leaves surfaces, which represent an interface with plants and the environment, have several structures with specific functions. Some foliar properties, including wettability and mechanical containment, are inferred in terms of cellular adaptation and the presence or absence of cuticular wax. Various morphological parameters, ranging from macro- to nano scales, are analyzed and contribute to the study of taxonomy, pharmacognosy, and ecology of plants. The aim of this paper was to analyze the effect and influence of epicuticular wax granules on the hydrophobicity of Anacardium occidentale L. leaf surfaces. Leaf specimens were directly examined with an environmental scanning electron microscope without metal coating. Images revealed epidermis ornament, stomata type, was, and trichomes. Static contact angle between water and the surface was also measured on both sides. On the adaxial side, an angle of 104.09° ± 0.95° was found, suggesting that adaxial surface is hydrophobic. On the abaxial side, the angle was 62.20° ± 1.60°, which indicates a hydrophilic nature, probably because of the greater amount of epicuticular wax on the adaxial leaf surface. The present investigation provided an important contribution to morphological and ultrastructural characterization of leaves of cashew tree, which is a plant of great medicinal and economic importance.

Superfícies de folhas têm diversas estruturas com funções específicas e contribuem para a relação delas com o meio ambiente. Algumas propriedades foliares, incluindo molhabilidade e contenção mecânica, são inferidas em termos de adaptação celular e da presença ou ausência de cera cuticular. Diversos parâmetros morfológicos, variando da macroescala até a nanoescala, são analisados e contribuem para o estudo de taxonomia, farmacognosia e ecologia de plantas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar o efeito e a influência de grãos de cera epicuticular na hidrofobicidade da superfície de folhas de Anacardium occidentale L. Amostras de folha foram examinadas com um microscópio eletrônico de varredura ambiental sem recobrimento metálico. As imagens evidenciaram algumas características (epiderme, tipo de estômato, cera e tricomas). O ângulo de contato estático entre a água e a superfície também foi medido em ambos os lados. No lado adaxial, foi encontrado um ângulo de 104,09° ± 0,95°, sugerindo que esta é hidrofóbica. No lado abaxial, o ângulo foi de 62,20° ± 1,60°, que indica uma natureza hidrofílica, provavelmente devido à grande quantidade de cera epicuticular na superfície abaxial da folha. A presente investigação forneceu uma contribuição importante para a caracterização morfológica e ultra-estrutural de folhas de cajueiro, que é uma planta de grande importância econômica.

Antimicrobial effect of Anacardium Occidentale extract and cosmetic formulation development

The objective of this work was to assess the activity of the extract of Anacardium occidentale Staphylococcus epidermidis and S. aureus and then to develop cosmetic formulations from those extracts. These formulations were stable in relation to their pH and rheological behavior, but were gradually darkened when stored for assessment at temperatures between 40 and 60ºC. Thus, even though the extract appeared a promising raw material for use in cosmetic formulations, those compounds might still require adjustments to improve the stability.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity using different extracts of anacardium occidentale L.

The present study highlights the investigation of antioxidant and antimicrobial property of different extracts of seed coat and leaf of cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.). The antioxidant activity was determined by the 2, 2- diphenyl -1 picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) method. Maximum activity was observed in acetonic extract of Anacardium occidentale leaf which was 52.50% (1000μg/ml). The antimicrobial activity had been tested for the plant parts using its aqueous, acetone and ethanol extracts against two Gram-positive human pathogenic bacteria like Micrococcus luteus (lab culture), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC96), four Gramnegative human pathogenic bacteria Salmonella typhi (ATCC12600), Klebsiella pneumoniae (MTCC109), Escherichia coli (MTCC1687), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC733). The ethanol extract of the seed coat of Anacardium occidentale L. were most efficacious against all the test organisms with zone of inhibition ranging from 12.0-34.0 mm, and the acetonic extract of the leaf sample of Anacardium occidentale L. was also active against all the test organisms with zone of inhibition ranging from 12.0-28.0 mm.

Consumo, digestibilidade de nutrientes e balanço de nitrogênio da silagem de capim-elefante com adição de pedúnculo de caju desidratado / Intake, nutrients digestibility and nitrogen balance of elephant grass silages added different levels of dehydrated cashew stalk

A presente pesquisa foi realizada com o objetivo de avaliar o valor nutritivo de silagens de capim-elefante contendo níveis crescentes de pedúnculo de caju desidratado (PCD). Foram utilizados 20 ovinos machos e não castrados, seguindo o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos (níveis de adição de 0; 4; 8; 12 e 16 por cento) e quatro repetições. Foram avaliados os consumos e a digestibilidades da matéria seca (MS), da matéria orgânica (MO), da proteína bruta (PB), da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), da fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), do extrato etéreo (EE), dos carboidratos totais (CHT), dos carboidratos não fibrosos (CNF), além do valor de nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT) e do balanço de nitrogênio (BN) das silagens. A adição de PCD não influenciou os consumos de MS, MO, FDN, FDA, CHT e NDT expresso em por cento PV e g kg-1 PV0,75 e as digestibilidades da MO, PB, FDN, FDA e CHT das silagens. No entanto, a adição do PCD promoveu aumento nos consumos de PB, EE e CNF ( por cento PV e g kg-1 PV0,75), nas digestibilidades do EE e dos CNF e no valor de NDT e balanço de nitrogênio. Por outro lado, a inclusão de PCD na ensilagem do capim-elefante promoveu efeito linear decrescente na digestibilidade da FDA das silagens. Conclui-se que as silagens com adição de PCD podem ser utilizadas como volumoso para ruminantes em razão das melhorias nos consumos de PB, EE e CNF e nas digestibilidades do EE e dos CNF, além do valor de NDT e BN das silagens, recomendando-se a adição de até 16 por cento na matéria natural.

The nutritive value of elephant grass silages, with increasing levels of dehydrated cashew stalk (DCS) was evaluated. Five addition levels were studied (0; 4; 8; 12 and 16 percent), using 20 rams in a completely randomized design with five treatments (addition levels) and four replicates (animals). Intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ether extract (EE), total carbohydrates (TC) and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) were determined, as well as total digestible nutrients (TDN) and silages nitrogen balance (NB). DCS did not affect intakes of DM, OM, NDF, ADF, TC and TDN, neither digestibility of OM, CB, NDF, ADF and TC silages. Otherwise, the addition of DCS increased intakes of CP, EE and NFC and digestibility of EE, NFC, as well as TDN values and nitrogen balance. Inclusion of DCS showed linear decreasing digestibility of ADF. It is concluded that addition of DCS to silages of elephant grass up to 16 percent on a natural basis can be used as a forage source for ruminants.

Aumento da vida útil pós colheita de pedúnculos de cajueiro anão precoce pela redução da temperatura de armazenamento / Increasing shelf life of early dwarf cashew tree peduncle through reduction of storage temperature

Conduziu-se este estudo, realizado no Laboratório de Fisiologia e Tecnologia Pós-Colheita da Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical em Fortaleza (CE), com o objetivo de aumentar o tempo de conservação pós-colheita de pedúnculos dos clones CCP 76 e END 183 de cajueiro anão precoce por meio da redução da temperatura de armazenamento. Foi adotado um fatorial em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, cujos fatores foram os clones e o tempo de armazenamento (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 e 30 dias), avaliados em três repetições. Os frutos, colhidos manualmente, no início da manhã, no Município de Beberibe, Ceará, foram acondicionados em caixas plásticas ainda no campo e transportados para o laboratório onde, acondicionados em bandejas de isopor, foram armazenados a 3,4 ± 0,6ºC e umidade relativa de 85 ± 11 por cento, sob atmosfera modificada. Os parâmetros avaliados foram perda de massa, aparência, cor da película, firmeza da polpa, sólidos solúveis totais, pH, acidez total titulável, SST/ATT, ácido ascórbico, açúcares solúveis totais, antocianinas totais e fenólicos. Os resultados mostraram que os pedúnculos do clone CCP 76 têm vida útil pós-colheita de 18 dias, enquanto o END 183, de 28 dias, ambos com reduzida perda de massa, firmeza e antocianinas totais.

This work aimed to increase, through the reduction storage temperature, the post-harvest conservation time of the early dwarf cashew tree peduncle of clones CCP 76 and END 183. It was carried out in the Postharvest Physiology and Technology Laboratory of the Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical in Fortaleza (State of Ceará, Brazil) using a factorial scheme in a randomized design with three replications of the factors (clones and storage duration: 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 days). The fruits evaluated were manually harvested in a farm located in the Municipality of Beberibe, State of Ceará, transported in plastic containers to the Laboratory and stored in extruded polystyrene trays at the temperature of 3,4 ± 0,6ºC and relative humidity 85 ± 11 percent under modified atmosphere. The parameters evaluated were weight loss; appearance; peel color; pulp firmness; total soluble solids (TSS); pH; total titratable acidity (TTA); TSS/TTA ratio; ascorbic acid; total soluble sugars; anthocyanins and phenolics. The analyses showed that the shelf life of the CCP 76 peduncle clone is 18 days while that of the END 183 clone is of 28 days, both with slight loss of mass, firmness and total anthocyanins.

Evaluation of the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the acetone extract from Anacardium occidentale L / Avaliação dos efeitos antinociceptivo e antiinflamatório do extrato acetônico de Anacardium occidentale L

The stem bark of Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae), commonly called cashew, is used in Brazilian traditional medicine for the treatment of gastric and inflammatory disorders. The present study was carried out to investigate the in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of the acetone extract (AE) of the stem bark of A. occidentale. We evaluated the pharmacological activities of this plant material through the analgesic, antiedematogenic and chemotaxic inhibitory effects produced by the AE. The oral administration (p.o.) of mice with the AE (0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 g/kg) or positive control indomethacin (10 mg/kg) inhibited acetic acid-induced writhing by 18.9, 35.9, 62.9 and 68.9 percent, respectively (ID50 percent = 530 mg/kg). The highest dose of the AE was able to inhibit croton oil-induced ear edema formation by 56.8 percent (indomethacin at 10 mg/kg, p.o. - 57.6 percent inhibition). When submitted to the carrageenan-induced peritonitis test, the AE (0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 g/kg, p.o.) impaired leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity by 24.8, 40.5 and 49.6 percent, respectively. The positive control, dexamethasone (2 mg/kg, s.c.), inhibited leukocyte migration by 66.9 percent. These results indicate the presence of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive principles in the acetone extract of Anacardium occidentale, and reinforce the plant's potential therapeutic use against pain and inflammatory diseases.

As cascas do caule do Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae), conhecido como cajueiro, são popularmente utilizadas no Brasil para o tratamento de doenças gástricas e inflamatórias. Este estudo teve como objetivo a avaliação farmacológica in vivo da atividade antiinflamatória do extrato acetônico (AE) obtido das cascas do A. occidentale, investigando os efeitos analgésico, antiedematogênico e inibitório sobre a quimiotaxia deste material botânico. A administração oral (p.o.) em camundongos com o AE (0,1; 0,3 e 1 g/kg) ou o controle positivo indometacina (10 mg/kg) inibiu as contorções abdominais induzidas pelo ácido acético em 18,9; 35,9; 62,9 e 68,9 por cento respectivamente (ID50 por cento = 530 mg/kg). Esta maior dose do AE também inibiu o edema de orelha produzido pelo óleo de cróton em 56,8 por cento (indometacina, 10 mg/kg, p.o. - 57,6 por cento de inibição). No teste da peritonite induzido pela carragenina, o AE (0,1; 0,3; e 1,0 mg/kg, p.o.) reduziu a migração de leucócitos para a cavidade peritoneal em 24,8; 40,5; e 49,6 por cento respectivamente, enquanto que o controle positivo dexametasona (2 mg/kg, s.c.) inibiu a migração de leucócitos em 66,9 por cento. Estes resultados indicam a presença de princípios ativos antiinflamatórios e antinociceptivos no extrato acetônico de Anacardium occidentale e reforçam o potencial terapêutico da planta em doenças que envolvem dor e inflamação.

Caracterização físico-química e sensorial de hambúrguer vegetal elaborado à base de caju / Physical chemical and sensory characterization of vegetal hamburger elaborated from cashew apple

A elaboração de produtos derivados do caju é uma alternativa para seu aproveitamento e para o consumo fora o período de safra. Objetivou-se neste trabalho caracterizar hambúrgueres elaborados à base de caju e comparar suas características com as de produtos comerciais. Foram adquiridos quatro tipos de hambúrgueres comerciais, um deles à base de carne e os demais à base de proteína vegetal. Os hambúrgueres foram analisados quanto às características físico-químicas (proteína, gordura, umidade, cinzas, carboidratos, atividade de água e pH) e aceitação sensorial (aparência, aroma, sabor, textura e impressão global). Foram observadas grandes variações nas características dos hambúrgueres: proteínas variaram de 5,75 a 12,95 por cento, gordura de 5,79 a 16,44 por cento, umidade de 45,83 a 63,71 por cento, cinzas de 2,89 a 4,75 por cento, carboidratos de 16,35 a 33,99 por cento, atividade de água de 0,958 a 0,983 e pH de 4,75 a 6,78. Os hambúrgueres de caju apresentaram menor pH e menores teores de proteína e gordura do que a maioria dos produtos comerciais. A aceitação sensorial também apresentou grandes variações, com notas para aparência de 6,2 a 7,8, aroma de 6,1 a 7,9, sabor de 5,7 a 8,0, textura de 5,9 a 7,9 e impressão global de 5,9 a 7,9. Para o hambúrguer de caju, a aceitação sensorial foi, em média, próxima da avaliação gostei ligeiramente (nota 6,0), para todos os atributos avaliados.

Products elaborated from cashew are good alternatives for their utilization and for consumption after harvest period. This work aimed to characterize hamburgers made from cashew apple and to compare their characteristics with the ones from commercial products. Four kinds of commercial products were bought, one made of meat and the others made of vegetal protein. Hamburgers were analyzed for their physical chemical characteristics (protein, fat, moisture, ash, carbohydrates, water activity and pH) and sensory acceptance (appearance, flavor, taste, texture and overall acceptance). Great variations were observed among hamburgers characteristics: proteins from 5.75 to 12.95 percent, fat from 5.79 to 16.44 percent, moisture from 45.83 to 63.71 percent, ash from 2.89 to 4.75 percent, carbohydrates from 16.35 to 33.99 percent, water activity from 0.958 to 0.983 and pH from 4.75 to 6.78. Cashew hamburgers showed less pH, protein and fat content than the major commercial products. Great variations were also observed for sensory acceptance, being within 6.2 to 7.8 for appearance, 6.1 to 7.9 for flavor, 5.7 to 8.0 for taste, 5.9 to 7.9 for texture and 5.9 to 7.9 for overall acceptance. Average sensory notes were nearly like slightly (note 6.0) for all analyzed attributes of cashew hamburger.

Diagnose laboratorial dos frutos e folhas de Anacardium occidentale L. (Caju) / Laboratory diagnosis of leaves and edible receptacles of Anacardium Occidentale L. (cashew)

Anacardium occidentale L. espécie nativa do continente centro e sul-americano, é planta amplamente utilizada, empregada na alimentação humana e animal, bem como na medicina popular. Neste trabalho objetivamos o reconhecimento das principais características diagnósticas das folhas e dos receptáculos carnosos. Detalhes como o tipo de cutícula, paredes celulares, anexos epidérmicos e inclusões celulares são destacados nas descrições e nas figuras. As folhas encerram flavonóides, saponinas,compostos fenólicos e óleo essencial.

Anacardium occidentale L., a native species of Central and South America, is a plant used as human and animal food as well as in popular medicine. The purpose of this paper is to show the most important anatomical characteristics of leaves and edible receptacles (pseudo-fruits) for identification purposes. Details like the type of cuticle, stomata, epidermis, annexes and celular inclusions were emphasized in the descriptions and on the pictures. Phytochemical reactions for flavonoids, saponins, phenolic compounds and essential oil complement the identification.