Endophytic species of Colletotrichum associated with cashew tree in northeastern Brazil.

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum is the most severe and widely occurring cashew disease in Brazil. Colletotrichum species are commonly found as pathogens, endophytes and occasionally as saprophytes in a wide range of hosts. The endophytic species associated with cashew trees are poorly studied. In this study, we report the Colletotrichum endophytic species associated with cashew trees in two locations in the state of Pernambuco, their prevalence in different plant organs (leaves, veins, branches and inflorescences), and compare the species in terms of pathogenicity and aggressiveness using different inoculation methods (wounded × unwounded). Six species of Colletotrichum were identified according to multilocus phylogenetic analyses, including Colletotrichum asianum, Colletotrichum chrysophilum, Colletotrichum karsti, Colletotrichum siamense, Colletotrichum theobromicola, and Colletotrichum tropicale. There were differences in the percentage of isolation in relation to the prevalence of colonized tissues and collection locations. C. tropicale was the prevalent species in both geographic areas and plant tissues collected, with no pattern of distribution of species between areas and plant tissues. All isolates were pathogenic in injured tissues of cashew plants. The best method to test the pathogenicity of Colletotrichum species was utilizing the combination of leaves + presence of wounds + conidial suspension, as it better represents the natural infection process. C. siamense was the most aggressive species.

Thermal - chemical - mechanical characterization of Anacardium occidentale tree gum.

Anacardium occidentale (cashew) tree gum is being used in several sectors, including the pharmaceutical sector. This gum has been explored more in the medical field by many previous researchers, but there is a big research gap regarding its thermal and mechanical properties. Therefore, this research is intended to reveal the thermal, chemical, and mechanical characteristics of Anacardium occidentale tree gum. The results obtained in this regard are then compared with certain properties of artificial resins. Thermal analysis is carried out using a thermogravimetric analyzer, and differential scanning calorimeter, elemental analysis is carried out using a scanning electron microscope and a micro-X-ray fluorescence analyzer; and mechanical tests are carried out using a nano-indentation tester and a universal testing machine. The pH of 4.76 shows that the gum is acidic in nature, and the peaks obtained from thermal analysis demonstrate that it doesn't have a melting point. The microhardness value, tensile strength, flexural strength, and compressive strength of cashew gum are 218.39 MPa, 1.667 MPa, 3.64 MPa, and 2.667 MPa, respectively. The obtained results show that, Anacardium occidentale tree gum has comparable thermal properties to those of artificial resins and other natural gums.

Evaluation of Mangifera indica, Anacardium occidentale leaf extracts and 0.2% Chlorhexidine gluconate on disinfection of maxillofacial silicone material surface contaminated with microorganisms - An invitro study.

Maintenance of the quality and hygiene of maxillofacial prosthesis allows to maintain the health of the residual tissues. Sampling of the maxillofacial prostheses has relieved presence of microbial colonization on silicone surfaces. Cleaning procedures of maxillofacial silicones are done using mechanical means or using adjunctive with chemical means. Cleaning with a 2-4% chlorhexidine gluconate spray or dipping in solution for a minute and then washing under running water can sufficiently condition to reduce the amount of bacterial contamination. Due to rising microorganism resistance and fewer adverse effects, phytoextracts appear to be a viable option. Additionally, the use of excipients derived from plants is provides new opportunities for the pharmaceutical industry into the creation of innovative pharmaceutical products that are sustainable. Aim: To evaluate and compare the leaf extracts of Mangifera indica (M.indica), Anacardium occidentale(A.occidentale) and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) on disinfection of maxillofacial silicone material surface contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) and Candida albicans (C.albicans). Methods: Of the 150 maxillofacial silicone elastomer silicone samples, 75 samples were contaminated with S. aureus and 75 with C.albicans. The contaminated disc was rolled on blood agar and pre-disinfection Colony Forming Units (CFU) were evaluated followed by subjecting the discs to disinfection protocols. The contaminated discs with S. aureus and C.albicans were disinfected using M.indica leaf extracts, A.occidentale leaf extracts and 0.2% CHX for 10 min. Post-disinfection CFUs were evaluated by rolling the disc on blood agar. The results were tabulated and analysed using dependent t-test, one-way ANOVA and Tukeys multiple posthoc procedure. Results: Pair-wise comparison of pre-and post-disinfection log CFU counts of S.aureus gave a statistical significance between 0.2% CHX and and M.indica leaf extract. No statistically significant results were found between 0.2% CHX and A.occidentale. Pair wise comparison of the log CFU from pre-disinfection to post-disinfection of C.albicans gave a statistical significance between all the three groups. Conclusions: In the present study A.occidentale leaf extract and M.indica leaf extract have shown significant reduction in CFU of both the organisms. 0.2% CHX showed the most CFU reduction post disinfection of maxillofacial silicone material surface contaminated S.aureus and C.albicans followed by A.occidentale leaf extracts and M.indica leaf extracts. Given the limitations of the current research, A.occidentale leaf extract and M.indica leaf extract can be used as an alternative for disinfection of maxillofacial silicone prosthesis.

Comparison of supercritical CO2 extraction and pressurized fluid extraction for isolation of alkaloids from Anacardium occidentale with the study of its anti-inflammatory activity.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of natural compounds, particularly of plant origin, owing to their demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. Among these, Anacardium occidentale, commonly known as cashew, has garnered significant attention due to its reputed health benefits. This study aim to establish a correlation between the bioactive compounds contained in the extracts of Anacardium occidentale and its anti-inflammatory activity. Dried Anacardium occidentale leaves powder was used as the extraction matrix. Extraction techniques are maceration, pressurized fluid extraction (PFE), and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). The preliminary analysis of extracts was made by LC-MS/MS. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and heat maps were employed to model the influence of experimental conditions on extraction yield and peak area of specific compounds from the plant. To evaluate anti-inflammatory activity, RAW 264.7 cells were cultured, activated with LPS, and treated with varying concentrations of the plant extracts. Cell proliferation was assessed using the XTT assay. Indeed, Anacardium occidentale extracts contain anacardic acids, cardanols, and cardol, with distinct profiles yielded by SFE and ethanol-based methods. RSM shows that temperature and ethanol, as additives to CO2, significantly affect extraction efficiency in both PFE and SFE. Moreover, this composition with SFE demonstrate higher selectivity for specific group of compounds. The extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory properties without cytotoxicity in macrophages, reducing levels of pro-inflammatory proteins COX-2, COX-1, and TLR4 in activated cells. This suggests their potential as anti-inflammatory agents without adverse effects on cell viability or pro-inflammatory protein levels in non-activated cells. Overall, these findings underscore the promising therapeutic potential of Anacardium occidentale extracts in mitigating inflammation, while also providing crucial insights into optimizing the extraction process for targeted compound isolation. Thus, this makes a good prospect for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs from this plant.

Investigation on the physico-chemical properties of soil and mineralization of three selected tropical tree leaf litter.

Plant leaf litter has a major role in the structure and function of soil ecosystems as it is associated with nutrient release and cycling. The present study is aimed to understand how well the decomposing leaf litter kept soil organic carbon and nitrogen levels stable during an incubation experiment that was carried out in a lab setting under controlled conditions and the results were compared to those from a natural plantation. In natural site soil samples, Anacardium. occidentale showed a higher value of organic carbon at surface (1.14%) and subsurface (0.93%) and Azadirachta. indica exhibited a higher value of total nitrogen at surface (0.28%) and subsurface sample (0.14%). In the incubation experiment, Acacia auriculiformis had the highest organic carbon content initially (5.26%), whereas A. occidentale had the highest nitrogen level on 30th day (0.67%). The overall carbon-nitrogen ratio showed a varied tendency, which may be due to dynamic changes in the complex decomposition cycle. The higher rate of mass loss and decay was observed in A. indica leaf litter, the range of the decay constant is 1.26-2.22. The morphological and chemical changes of soil sample and the vermicast were substantained using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR).

Fractionation, identification of chemical constituents, and biological properties of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) leaf extracts.

The current study aimed to identify the chemical constituents and bioactivities of the crude ethanolic extract (CEE) and its fractions (ethyl acetate (EAF), hexane (HEF), and aqueous (AEF)) from leaves of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) grown in Vietnam. A total of 31 compounds which belong to alkanes, hydrocarbons, iodine, terpenoids, phenolics, and flavonoids were determined by a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, with bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate being the most prevailing compound. The highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents were obtained in the EAF, followed by HEF, CEE, and AQF. All samples showed promising in vitro antibacterial activity, enzyme inhibition, and anticancer activity. Among the samples tested, the EAF exhibited the highest enzyme inhibition activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase (IC50 values of 51.24 µg/mL and 99.29 µg/mL, respectively), cytotoxicity activity against HeLa cells (IC50 value of 79.49 µg/mL), and antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli with MIC values of 5 mg/mL and 2.5 mg/mL, respectively. These findings suggest that the leaves of A. occidentale cultivated in Vietnam are a promising source of bioactive components and that EAF is a promising bioactive material warranting further pharmaceutical investigation.

Flowering time and harvest on floral morphology and production of hermaphrodite flowers in the cashew tree Anacardium occidentale (Anacardiaceae)

Introduction: Morphological parameters of flowering are fundamental in the reproductive process of plants, but this subject is poorly explored in the cashew tree Anacardium occidentale. Objective: To determine the influence of the flowering and harvest period on floral parameters, and to identify association with hermaphrodite flowers in the dwarf cashew. Methods: For the 2018 and 2019 harvests in 120 samples we measured number of male/hermaphrodite/abnormal flowers; panicle biomass, length, maximum width, and ramifications at 30, 45 and 60 days for 360 samples in total. Results: The harvest effect was not significant. Panicle length and width (at 30 days), had the greatest contributions to the production of hermaphrodite flowers. The presence of male flowers (at 45 days), and the panicle length and number of primary branches (at 60 days) were the main factors at their respective periods. Conclusions: The emission of hermaphrodite flowers responds negatively to male flowers. Variations in flowering compromise the production of hermaphrodite flowers and the flowering structure.

Introducción: Parámetros morfológicos de la floración son fundamentales en el proceso reproductivo de las plantas, sin embargo, el tema es poco explorado en el árbol de marañón Anacardium occidentale. Objetivo: Determinar la influencia de la floración y periodos de cosecha sobre parámetros florales, e identificar asociaciones con flores hermafroditas en el marañón enano. Métodos: Para las cosechas de 2018 y 2019 en 120 muestras, medimos el número de flores masculinas/hermafroditas/anormales; biomasa de panícula, largo, ancho máximo, y ramificaciones a los 30, 45 y 60 días, un total de 360 muestras. Resultados: El efecto de la cosecha fue insignificante. Longitud y ancho de la panícula (a los 30 días), tuvo la mayor contribución a la producción de flores hermafroditas. La presencia de flores masculinas (a los 45 días), y el largo de panícula y número de ramas primarias (a los 60 días) fueron los principales factores en sus periodos respectivos. Conclusiones: La emisión de flores hermafroditas responde negativamente a flores masculinas. Variaciones en la floración afecta la producción de flores hermafroditas y estructura de floración.

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) Extract: Possible Effects on Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis in Modulating Chronic Stress.

Depression presents a significant global health burden, necessitating the search for effective and safe treatments. This investigation aims to assess the antidepressant effect of the hydroethanolic extract of Anacardium occidentale (AO) on depression-related behaviors in rats. The depression model involved 42 days of unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) exposure and was assessed using the sucrose preference and the forced swimming (FST) test. Additionally, memory-related aspects were examined using the tests Y-maze and Morris water maze (MWM), following 21 days of treatment with varying doses of the AO extract (150, 300, and 450 mg/kg) and Imipramine (20 mg/kg), commencing on day 21. The monoamines (norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine), oxidative stress markers (MDA and SOD), and cytokines levels (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) within the brain were evaluated. Additionally, the concentration of blood corticosterone was measured. Treatment with AO significantly alleviated UCMS-induced and depressive-like behaviors in rats. This was evidenced by the ability of the extract to prevent further decreases in body mass, increase sucrose consumption, reduce immobility time in the test Forced Swimming, improve cognitive performance in both tests Y-maze and the Morris water maze by increasing the target quadrant dwelling time and spontaneous alternation percentage, and promote faster feeding behavior in the novelty-suppressed feeding test. It also decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines, corticosterone, and MDA levels, and increased monoamine levels and SOD activity. HPLC-MS analysis revealed the presence of triterpenoid compounds (ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, and lupane) and polyphenols (catechin quercetin and kaempferol). These results evidenced the antidepressant effects of the AO, which might involve corticosterone and monoaminergic regulation as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Antimalarial Activity of Anacardium occidentale Leaf Extracts Against Plasmodium falciparum Transketolase (PfTK).

BACKGROUND: As per estimates by WHO in 2021 almost half of the world's population was at risk of malaria and > 0.6 million deaths were attributed to malaria. Therefore, the present study was aimed to explore the antimalarial activity of extracts derived from the leaves of the plant Anacardium occidentale L., which has been used traditionally for the treatment of malaria. Different extracts of A. occidentale leaves were prepared and tested for their inhibitory activity against recombinant P. falciparum transketolase (rPfTK) enzyme, in vitro. Further, growth inhibitory activity against cultivated blood stage P. falciparum parasites (3D7 strain), was studied using SYBR Green fluorescence-based in vitro assays. Acute toxicity of the hydro alcoholic extracts of leaves of A. occidentale (HELA) at different concentrations was evaluated on mice and Zebra fish embryos. HELA showed 75.45 ± 0.35% inhibitory activity against the recombinant PfTk and 99.31 ± 0.08% growth inhibition against intra-erythrocytic stages of P. falciparum at the maximum concentration (50 µg/ml) with IC50 of 4.17 ± 0.22 µg/ml. The toxicity test results showed that the heartbeat, somite formation, tail detachment and hatching of embryos were not affected when Zebra fish embryos were treated with 0.1 to 10 µg/ml of the extract. However, at higher concentrations of the extract, at 48 h (1000 µg/ml) and 96 h (100 µg/ml and 1000 µg/ml, respectively) there was no heartbeat in the fish embryos. In the acute oral toxicity tests performed on mice, the extract showed no toxicity up to 300 mg/kg body weight in mice. CONCLUSION: The hydro-alcoholic extract of leaves of A. occidentale L. showed potent antimalarial activity against blood stage P. falciparum. Based on the observed inhibitory activity on the transketolase enzyme of P. falciparum it is likely that this enzyme is the target for the development of bioactive molecules present in the plant extracts. The promising anti-malarial activity of purified compounds from leaves of A. occidentale needs to be further explored for development of new anti-malarial therapy.

Evaluation of a Standardized Extract Obtained from Cashew Apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) Bagasse in DSS-Induced Mouse Colitis.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Several studies relate eating habits to different aspects of IBD, such as progression and worsening of the clinical condition. Therefore, many natural products (NPs) such as polyphenols and carotenoids have been identified as promising agents in supporting IBD. An interesting source for obtaining bioactive NPs is the by-products of the food industry. The present study evaluated the potential beneficial effect of a standardized extract (CAE) obtained from cashew apple bagasse in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis model in mice. This was the first time that CAE had been evaluated in this experimental model. Chemical evaluation of CAE identified carotenoids (96.28 ± 0.15 mg/100 g), phenolic compounds (37.49 ± 0.64 mg/100 g), and a mixture of anacardic acids (C15:3 = 94.2 ± 0.6 mg/100 g; C15:2 = 108.4 ± 0.1 mg/100 g; C15:1 = 214.8 ± 0.2 mg/100 g). Administration of CAE (500 mg/kg, 4 days, p.o.) after DSS challenge was more effective in delaying disease progression compared with prior treatment (500 mg/kg, 30 days, p.o.), according to the disease activity index. However, no treatment strategy with CAE was able to prevent or inhibit disease progression, since all parameters evaluated (macroscopic, biochemical, and histopathological) in CAE-treated animals were similar to those observed in DSS-challenged animals. Despite the high dose (500 mg/kg), the standardized extract (CAE) did not result in an effective concentration of carotenoids. Furthermore, as some anacardic acids have been reported as histone acetyltransferases inhibitors, there could be a possible antagonistic relationship between carotenoids and anacardic acids. Complementary research will be necessary to test the hypothesis of antagonism. Thus, an optimized extract, with an even higher concentration of carotenoids, obtained from cashew apple bagasse, can be developed as a possible adjuvant food supplement for inflammatory bowel diseases.

Salicylic Acid as a Salt Stress Mitigator on Chlorophyll Fluorescence, Photosynthetic Pigments, and Growth of Precocious-Dwarf Cashew in the Post-Grafting Phase.

Salicylic acid is a phytohormone that has been used to mitigate the effects of saline stress on plants. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid as a salt stress attenuator on the physiology and growth of precocious-dwarf cashew plants in the post-grafting phase. The study was carried out in a plant nursery using a randomized block design in a 5 × 4 factorial arrangement corresponding to five electrical conductivity levels of irrigation water (0.4, 1.2, 2.0, 2.8, and 3.6 dS m-1) and four salicylic acid concentrations (0, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mM), with three replications. Irrigation water with electrical conductivity levels above 0.4 dS m-1 negatively affected the relative water content in the leaf blade, photosynthetic pigments, the fluorescence of chlorophyll a, and plant growth and increased electrolyte leakage in the leaf blade of precocious-dwarf cashew plants in the absence of salicylic acid. It was verified through the regression analysis that salicylic acid at a concentration of 1.1 mM attenuated the effects of salt stress on the relative water content and electrolyte leakage in the leaf blade, while the concentration of 1.7 mM increased the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments in precocious-dwarf cashew plants.

Validation of a Method for Anacardic Acid Quantification in Cashew Peduncles via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to a Diode-Array Detector.

The cashew peduncle has a high nutritional value and contains a wide variety of phenolic compounds. Among these, anacardic acids (AnAc) are biologically active components; however, they influence the cashew juice flavor and, consequently, its acceptance. This study validates a high-performance liquid chromatography method for quantifying the AnAc present in cashew peduncles, using a C18 reverse-phase column and a diode-array detector. The calibration curve obtained showed satisfactory precision for intraday (CV = 0.20%) and interday (CV = 0.29%) quantification, linearity (y = 2333.5x + 2956.2; r2 = 0.9979), repeatability with respect to retention time (CV = 0.45%) and area (CV = 0.30%), and selectivity, and possessed detection and quantification limits of 0.18 and 0.85 µg·mL-1, respectively. Different cashew clones containing AnAc were extracted and analyzed using the proposed method. A recovery of >90% was achieved using two sequential extractions. The total AnAc content ranged from 128.35 to 217.00 mg·100 g-1 in peduncle samples obtained from five different cashew clones.

Facile Synthesis of Functionalized Porous Carbon by Direct Pyrolysis of Anacardium occidentale Nut-Skin Waste and Its Utilization towards Supercapacitors.

Preparing electrode materials plays an essential role in the fabrication of high-performance supercapacitors. In general, heteroatom doping in carbon-based electrode materials enhances the electrochemical properties. Herein, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur co-doped porous carbon (PC) materials were prepared by direct pyrolysis of Anacardium occidentale (AO) nut-skin waste for high-performance supercapacitor applications. The as-prepared AO-PC material possessed interconnected micropore/mesopore structures and exhibited a high specific surface area of 615 m2 g-1. The Raman spectrum revealed a moderate degree of graphitization of AO-PC materials. These superior properties of the as-prepared AO-PC material help to deliver high specific capacitance. After fabricating the working electrode, the electrochemical performances including cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were conducted in 1 M H2SO4 aqueous solution using a three-electrode configuration for supercapacitor applications. The AO-PC material delivered a high specific capacitance of 193 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1. The AO-PC material demonstrated <97% capacitance retention even after 10,000 cycles of charge-discharge at the current density of 5 A g-1. All the above outcomes confirmed that the as-prepared AO-PC from AO nut-skin waste via simple pyrolysis is an ideal electrode material for fabricating high-performance supercapacitors. Moreover, this work provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly strategy for adding value to biomass waste by a simple pyrolysis route.

Intra-Amniotic Administration of Cashew Nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) Soluble Extract Improved Gut Functionality and Morphology In Vivo (Gallus gallus).

Cashew nuts are rich in dietary fibers, monounsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, tocopherols, flavonoids, catechins, amino acids, and minerals that offer benefits for health. However, the knowledge of its effect on gut health is lacking. In this way, cashew nut soluble extract (CNSE) was assessed in vivo via intra-amniotic administration in intestinal brush border membrane (BBM) morphology, functionality, and gut microbiota. Four groups were evaluated: (1) no injection (control); (2) H2O injection (control); (3) 10 mg/mL CNSE (1%); and (4) 50 mg/mL CNSE (5%). Results related to CNSE on duodenal morphological parameters showed higher Paneth cell numbers, goblet cell (GC) diameter in crypt and villi, depth crypt, mixed GC per villi, and villi surface area. Further, it decreased GC number and acid and neutral GC. In the gut microbiota, treatment with CNSE showed a lower abundance of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and E. coli. Further, in intestinal functionality, CNSE upregulated aminopeptidase (AP) gene expression at 5% compared to 1% CNSE. In conclusion, CNSE had beneficial effects on gut health by improving duodenal BBM functionality, as it upregulated AP gene expression, and by modifying morphological parameters ameliorating digestive and absorptive capacity. For intestinal microbiota, higher concentrations of CNSE or long-term intervention may be necessary.

Inhibition of NorA efflux pump of Staphylococcus aureus by anacardic acids isolated from the cashew nutshell liquid of Anacardium occidentale L.

The rising of diseases caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria has encouraged researchers to explore more antimicrobial substances, as well as chemicals capable of potentiating the action of existing ones against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Anacardium occidentale produces a fruit known as cashew nut, filled with a dark, almost black, caustic, and flammable liquid called cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL). The goal of the study was to evaluate the intrinsic antimicrobial activity of the major compounds present in CNSL, called anacardic acids (AA), as well as their possible modulatory action as an adjuvant of Norfloxacin against a Staphylococcus aureus strain overproducing the NorA efflux pump (SA1199B). Microdilution assays were performed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AA against different microbial species. Norfloxacin and Ethidium Bromide (EtBr) resistance modulation assays were performed in the presence or absence of AA against SA1199-B. AA showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacterial strains tested but no activity against Gram-negative bacteria or yeast strains. At subinhibitory concentration, AA reduced the MIC values for Norfloxacin and EtBr against the SA1199-B strain. Furthermore, AA increased the intracellular accumulation of EtBr in this NorA overproducer strain, indicating that AA are NorA inhibitors. Docking analysis showed that AA probably modulates Norfloxacin efflux by spatial impediment at the same binding site of NorA.

Characterization of the Epidermis and Cuticle of the Cashew Pseudofruit during Its Development and Maturation.

The epidermis and cuticle play an important role in reducing dehydration and protecting the cashew pseudofruit in both the production environment and the postharvest stage. This study analyzes the alterations on the epidermis and cuticle of CCP 76 cashew pseudofruits harvested in five developmental and maturation stages (S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5). The epidermis and cuticle of the samples were analyzed under light microscopy (LM) (quantitative analysis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The epidermal cells at S3 reached maximum outer periclinal wall thickness, which reduced during ripening (S4 and S5), while the cuticle increased in thickness during the same period. These changes coincided with the rapid initial growth of the cashew pseudofruit when the epidermis and cuticle need to accompany the expansion of internal tissues. At the ultrastructural level, lipid material is transported via vesicles through the cell wall to the cuticle, increasing its thickness. Epicuticular waxes, previously deposited as plates and globules, began to develop an amorphous shape during maturation. This process possibly occurs due to changes in wax composition that can be related to the development of greasiness on the fruit skin. These findings provide a better understanding of cashew pseudofruit skin, which will aid future studies and strategies to preserve quality during the postharvest stage.

Metabolomic Profile of Volatile Organic Compounds from Leaves of Cashew Clones by HS-SPME/GC-MS for the Identification of Candidates for Anthracnose Resistance Markers.

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides affects the leaves, inflorescences, nuts, and peduncles of cashew trees (Anacardium occidentale). The use of genetically improved plants and the insertion of dwarf cashew clones that are more resistant to phytopathogens are strategies to minimize the impact of anthracnose on cashew production. However, resistance mechanisms related to the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites remain unknown. Thus, this study promoted the investigation of the profile of volatile organic compounds of resistant cashew clone leaves ('CCP 76', 'BRS 226' and 'BRS 189') and susceptible ('BRS 265') to C. gloeosporioides, in the periods of non-infection and infection of the pathogen in the field (July-December 2019 - Brazil). Seventy-eight compounds were provisionally identified. Chemometric analyses, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Discriminating Partial Least Squares Analysis (PLS-DA), Discriminating Analysis of Orthogonal Partial Least Squares (OPLS-DA), and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), separated the samples into different groups, highlighting hexanal, (E)-hex-2-enal, (Z)-hex-2-en-1-ol, (E)-hex-3-en-1-ol, in addition to α-pinene, α-terpinene, γ-terpinene, ß-pinene, and δ-3-carene, in the samples of the resistant clones in comparison to the susceptible clone. According to the literature, these metabolites have antimicrobial activity and are therefore chemical marker candidates for resistance to C. gloeosporioides in cashew trees.

Leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale ameliorates biomarkers of neuroinflammation, memory loss, and neurobehavioral deficit in N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) treated rats.

PURPOSE: Anacardium occidentale commonly known as Cashew is a plant that is widely used in African traditional medicine. It is endowed with phytochemical constituents that are responsible for its medicinal properties. METHODS: Twenty-five male Wistar rats were grouped as follows: Control (Group A), Group B (L-NAME 40 mg/kg), Group C (100 mg/kg Anacardium occidentale extract plus 40 mg/kg L-NAME), Group D (200 mg/kg extract plus 40 mg/kg L-NAME) and Group E (10 mg/kg of Lisinopril plus 40 mg/kg L-NAME). The animals were treated with oral administration of either the extracts or Lisnopril daily for 4 weeks. Neuro-behavioural tests such as the Morris Water Maze and Hanging Wire Grip tests were carried out to evaluate memory/spatial learning and muscular strength, respectively. Makers of oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes and immunohistochemical staining of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein and Ionised Calcium Binding Adaptor molecule 1 were assessed. RESULTS: L-NAME administration caused significant increases in biomarkers of oxidative stress, decreased antioxidant status, acetylcholinesterase activity, altered neuro-behavioural changes, astrocytosis, and microgliosis. However, Anacardium occidentale reversed exaggerated oxidative stress biomarkers and improved neuro-behavioural changes. CONCLUSIONS: Combining all, Anacardium occidentale enhanced brain antioxidant defence status, improved memory and muscular strength, thus, suggesting the neuroprotective properties of Anacardium occidentale.

Nut-enriched energy restricted diet has potential to decrease hunger in women at cardiometabolic risk: a randomized controlled trial (Brazilian Nuts Study).

Successful weight management represents a challenge to obesity control. Evidence suggests that nut consumption promotes a prolonged satiety response. Therefore, we hypothesize that nuts could be associated with greater weight loss in comparison to a control group, and we evaluate the acute and long-term effects of Brazilian nuts (BN: 15 g of Brazil nuts + 30 g of cashew nuts) included in an energy-restricted intervention on food intake, appetite, and peptide hormones. We conducted an 8-week, randomized, open-label, controlled, parallel-arm clinical trial with 28 women at cardiometabolic risk who received an energy-restricted diet containing BN or an energy-restricted nut-free diet (control). At baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention, subjective postprandial appetite ratings were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) before and after consumption (0, 10, 60, 120, 180, and 240 minutes) of a 437-kcal nut-enriched (BN group) or nut-free (control) breakfast meal. Subsequently, an ad libitum lunch was served, and the participants completed another VAS at 280 minutes. Plasma concentrations of ghrelin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, glucagon-like peptide 1, and leptin were measured at fasting and postprandially at 60, 120, and 240 minutes. Last, subsequent reported 24-hour energy intake was assessed in a free-living setting. BN consumption did not have acute effects on food intake, appetite, or peptide hormones. However, after an 8-week intervention, postprandial ghrelin (difference between post- and preintervention area under the curve) decreased in the BN group in comparison to the control (mean difference, 1978 pg/mL/min, 95% CI, 27-3929 pg/mL/min; P = .047) and therefore, an energy-restricted diet containing demonstrated potential to decrease hunger in cardiometabolic risk women.

The effect of flavonols in Anacardium occidentale L. leaf extracts on skin pathogenic microorganisms.

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) leaf is traditionally used to treat skin infections. Although many flavonols have been identified from its leaf extract, their inhibitory effects on skin pathogens are not yet determined. The aims of this study were to determine the antimicrobial (against skin pathogenic microbes) and antioxidant activities of four flavonol glycosides from the crude extract and three flavonol aglycones from the hydrolyzed extract. The hydrolyzed extract was found to show higher activities than the crude extract. Myricetin showed the highest activity against all the tested bacteria and yeast with the lowest Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) of 7.81 µg/mL on Corynebacterium minutissimum ATCC23348. Myricetin also exhibited good primary antioxidant activities with the effective concentration with 50% of activity (EC50) values ranged between 2.23 µg/mL and 6.40 µg/mL. The highest secondary antioxidant activity was indicated by myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside. Thus, myricetin can be considered as a bioactive compound of the hydrolyzed extract.