Bioactive compounds in cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) kernels: effect of different shelling methods

Synthesis of a Grease Thickener from Cashew Nut Shell Liquor

Thickener, also known as a gelling agent, is a critical component of lubricating greases. The most critical property of thickener, temperature resistance, is determined by the molecular structure of the compounds. Currently, all high-temperature-resistant thickeners are based on 12-hydroxystearic acid, which is exclusively produced from castor oil. Since castor oil is also an important reagent for other processes, finding a sustainable alternative to 12-hydroxystearic acid has significant economic implications. This study synthesises an alternative thickener from abundant agricultural waste, cashew nut shell liquor (CNSL). The synthesis and separation procedure contains three steps: (i) forming and separating calcium anacardate by precipitation, (ii) forming and separating anacardic acid (iii) forming lithium anacardate. The obtained lithium anacardate can be used as a thickener for lubricating grease. It was found that the recovery of anacardic acid was around 80%. The optimal reaction temperature and time conditions for lithium anacardate were 100 °C and 1 h, respectively. The method provides an economical alternative to castor and other vegetable oils. The procedure presents a simple pathway to produce the precursor for the lubricating grease from agricultural waste. The first reaction step can be combined with the existing distillation of cashew nut shell processing. An effective application can promote CNSL to a sustainable feedstock for green chemistry. The process can also be combined with recycled lithium from the spent batteries to improve the sustainability of the battery industry.

Chemical Composition, Fatty Acid Profile, and Optimization of the Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) Seed-Roasting Process Using Response Surface Methodology: Assessment of Oxidative Stability and Antioxidant Activity

This study aimed to optimize the roasting conditions for sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) seeds using the central composite design (CCD) of the response surface methodology (RSM). The antioxidant activity and oxidation indicators (peroxide and TBA values) were assessed, along with the impact of roasting on the fatty acid profile and chemical characterization of the seeds using gas chromatography. The results demonstrated that roasting partially increased the indicators of lipid oxidation in the oil extracted from roasted seeds, as well as the antioxidant activity of the seeds. The optimal roasting conditions were determined using CCD and RSM, resulting in an optimized temperature of 134.28 °C and 18.84 min. The fatty acid contents were not significantly affected by the roasting intensity, whereas a higher presence of amino acids was found in the seeds roasted at 140 °C for 15 min. In conclusion, it is suggested that the optimal roasting conditions for enhancing amino acid presence, improving antioxidant activity, and maintaining oxidative stability in sacha inchi seeds fall within the temperature range of 134-140 °C and a roasting duration of 15-20 min.

Effect of carotenoids on gut health and inflammatory status: A systematic review of in vivo animal studies

Carotenoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, being a potential bioactive compound for gut health. The objective of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of carotenoids on gut microbiota, gut barrier, and inflammation in healthy animals. The systematic search from PubMed, Scopus, and Lilacs databases were performed up to March 2023. The final screening included thirty studies, with different animal models (mice, rats, pigs, chicks, drosophila, fish, and shrimp), and different carotenoid sources (β-carotene, lycopene, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, and fucoxanthin). The results suggested that carotenoids seem to act on gut microbiota by promoting beneficial effects on intestinal bacteria related to both inflammation and SCFA production; increase tight junction proteins expression, important for reducing intestinal permeability; increase the mucins expression, important in protecting against pathogens and toxins; improve morphological parameters important for digestion and absorption of nutrients; and reduce pro-inflammatory and increase anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, different carotenoids had distinct effects on gut health. In addition, there was heterogeneity between studies regarding animal model, duration of intervention, and doses used. This is the first systematic review to address the effects of carotenoids on gut health. Further studies are needed to better understand the effects of carotenoids on gut health.

Nuts as functional foods: Variation of nutritional and phytochemical profiles and their in vitro bioactive properties

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Nutritional, biological and in vitro anti-diabetic, -obesity, -cholinergic of nuts.

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Polymeric procyanidins dominant polyphenols.

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Oleanic and pomolic acids dominant triterpenes.

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Nuts are low in Cu, Zn, Mn, Na, but rich in K and Mg.

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All nuts showed high activity in inhibiting intestinal α-glucosidase.

The aim of the present study was to examine the nutritional (fat, fatty acids, minerals, sugars) and bioactive compounds (polyphenols, tocochromanols, triterpene) and their influence on in vitro anti-diabetic (pancreatic α-amylase and intestinal α-glucosidase), anti-obesity (pancreatic lipase) and anti-cholinergic (AChE and BuChE) inhibitory activity of 8 different popular nuts—pecan, pine, hazelnuts, pistachio, almonds, cashew, walnuts, and macadamia.

The total content of phenolic compounds in nuts ranged from 432.9 (walnuts) to 5.9 (pistachio) mg/100 g. The dominant polyphenols are polymeric procyanidins (walnuts – 415.1 mg/100 g). Nuts are rich in tocochromanols (832.9–4377.5 μg/100 g), especially α- and γ-tocopherols. The highest content of α-tocopherol (vitamin E) was detected in hazelnuts and almonds (2551.0 and 2489.7 μg/100 g, respectively) while the lowest amounts were detected in macadamia, cashew and walnuts. The most abundant in nuts are oleanic and pomolic acids (35 and 22 % of total, respectively), while betulin, uvaol and erythrodiol are less characteristic triterpenes for nuts (<1%). Pine nuts are the nuts with the highest content of triterpene (690.3 mg/100 g). Pistachio and almonds are the richest in total fat (>45 %), but monounsaturated (17.5–79.3 %; hazelnuts, almonds, cashew, macadamia, pistachio and pecan) and polyunsaturated (7.5–69.3 %; pine, walnuts) are the dominant fatty acids. Moreover, nuts are low in Cu, Zn, Mn and Na content, but rich in K (464.5–1772.3 mg/100 g) and Mg (197.0–502.5 mg/100 g). Macadamia, walnuts and cashew are good sources of Se. Pistachio, almonds and cashew were characterized by the highest content of sugars, but the dominant sugar was saccharose (58.2–2399.3 mg/100 g). All nuts showed high activity in inhibiting intestinal α-glucosidase (>90 %), but lower ability to inhibit pancreatic α-amylase and pancreatic lipase activity. The activity in inhibiting acetyl- and butylcholinesterase was up to 30 %.

As described above, all nuts contain various compounds that improve the nutritional value. Therefore they should be one of the important components of the daily human diet rich in functional foods.

Effect of drying on the physical and chemical properties of palm kernel oil

BACKGROUND

Palm kernel is the edible seed of the oil palm fruit obtained during the palm oil milling process. For efficient processing and storage, the moisture content of palm kernel must be reduced to an optimal level by drying. This study aimed to see how drying influenced the physical structure and physicochemical properties of palm kernel and oil. Before and after drying, the free fatty acid (FFA), color, fatty acid composition, Fourier transform infrared, thermal properties and structure of palm kernel were investigated.

RESULTS

Results show that drying significantly (P < 0.05) reduced FFA and color of palm kernel oil. Drying also significantly affected (P < 0.05) composition of some fatty acids in palm kernel oil such as capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid. However, drying did not affect palm kernel and palm kernel oil functional groups and thermal properties. After drying, structural damage of palm kernel was observed.

CONCLUSION

Based on these findings, the quality of kernel oil may be maintained after drying, and it can even be improved based on lower FFA content. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Proteomic Analysis of Oil-Roasted Cashews Using a Customized Allergen-Focused Protein Database

Cashews are one of the most prevalent causes of tree nut allergies. However, the cashew proteome is far from complete, which limits the quality of peptide identification in mass spectrometric analyses. In this study, bioinformatics tools were utilized to construct a customized cashew protein database and improve sequence quality for proteins of interest, based on a publicly available cashew genome database. As a result, two additional isoforms for cashew 2S albumins and five other isoforms for cashew 11S proteins were identified, along with several other potential allergens. Using the optimized protein database, the protein profiles of cashew nuts subjected to different oil-roasting conditions (139 and 166 °C for 2-10 min) were analyzed using discovery LC-MS/MS analysis. The results showed that the cashew 2S protein is most heat-stable, followed by 11S and 7S proteins, though protein isoforms might be affected differently. Preliminary target peptide selection indicated that out of the 29 potential targets, 18 peptides were derived from the newly developed database. In the evaluation of thermal processing effects on cashew proteins, several Maillard reaction adducts were also identified. The cashew protein database developed in this study allows for comprehensive analyses of cashew proteins and development of high-quality allergen detection methods.

Effect of two postharvest technologies on the micronutrient profile of cashew kernels from Mozambique

The economics involved in processing cashew nuts (Anacardium occidentale) might alter micronutrient profiles and concentrations. We analyzed and evaluated carotenoids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids in (1) cashew kernels with testa recovered from nuts dried with and without the apple, and (2) testa-free industrial grade baby butts, splits, and white whole kernels using HPLC, ICP-OES, and GC-MS techniques. The results indicated that drying cashews with the respective apple slightly decreased the concentration of some carotenoids and total fatty and amino acids, but increased the concentration of iron, magnesium, and total tocotrienols compared with the conventionally (sun-) dried kernels. We also found high concentrations of carotenoids in the testa-containing kernels. Among the industrially processed kernel, baby butt grade was associated with lower content of β-carotene, total tocopherols, and tocotrienols, but with significantly higher concentrations in minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids than in white wholes and split grades. Conventional sun drying of cashew nuts revealed results similar to drying with apples regarding micronutrient concentrations. The high micronutrient content of industrial grade BB is reflected in widespread human consumption and better market value.

Simultaneous Quantification of Trace and Micro Phenolic Compounds by Liquid Chromatography Tandem-Mass Spectrometry

The simultaneous quantification of trace and micro metabolites is a bottleneck in food and biological analysis. Phenolic compounds are the most widely distributed and have various physiological functions. In this study, the strategy for the simultaneous liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) quantification of 13 trace and micro phenolic compounds was proposed by taking product ions and isotopic ions as quantitative ions. The method validation results showed that the limits of detection (LODs) were from 0.01 to 9.84 μg/kg, and the limits of quantification (LOQs) were from 0.03 to 32.8 μg/kg. The intra-day precision and inter-day precision were below 8.4% and 14.4%, respectively. The recoveries ranged from 81.9% to 117.2%, and the matrix effects ranged from -11.5% to 13.7%, which indicated that the method has high sensitivity and suitable stability. The developed analytical method was applied to determine trace and micro constituents in rapeseed samples. The analysis results indicated that the contents of sinapine have significantly different between high and low total phenolic content rapeseeds. This method provides a reference strategy for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of other micro- and trace antioxidants.

Tree Nuts and Peanuts as a Source of Natural Antioxidants in our Daily Diet

Tree nuts and peanuts are healthy foods with a proven track record of helping to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases, most notably cardiovascular disease. At the point of consumption, all nuts contain low moisture and ≥ 50% lipid contents, but this is where similarities end. The levels of key nutrients and bioactives including vitamin C, vitamin E, L-arginine, minerals (such as selenium and zinc), and phenolics can differ markedly. Distinctions in the types and quantities of phenolic constituents for tree nut species, as well as the impact of digestion, will affect the nuts' antioxidant potential in vivo. This work provides some insight into the different types of phenolics found in tree nuts and peanuts, the antioxidant potential of their phenolic extracts using in vitro chemical assays, the effect of thermal processing on the stability of the nuts' endogenous phenolics, and the impact on biomarkers of human health arising from randomized clinical trials. Key biomarkers include measures in the reduction of LDL oxidation as well as increases in the levels of vitamin E and selected phenolic compounds in blood plasma postprandially from those of baseline.

Gallic Acid an Agricultural Byproduct Modulates the Biofilm Matrix Exopolysaccharides of the Phytopathogen Ralstonia solanacearum

Ralstonia solanacearum is a soil-borne plant pathogen which causes wilt disease in economically important crops of the Solanaceae family in tropical and temperate regions. As biofilm formation is the major virulence factor in R. solanacearum, research inputs are necessary to identify natural biofilm inhibitors to mitigate virulence of this bacterium. Hence in the present work, the anti-biofilm potential of phytochemical compound gallic acid (GA) isolated from an agricultural byproduct (cashewnut shell) was investigated. Initially the Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of crude extracts of cashewnut shell and coconut shell against R. solanacearum were investigated. The MIC of both the extracts were 400 µg/ml and their sub-MIC (200 µg/ml) inhibited biofilms in the range of 62-70% and 49-57%, respectively. As the cashewnut shell extract have higher biofilm inhibitory effect compared to coconut shell extract, we proceeded our further study by isolating the major compound GA from cashewnut shell by acid hydrolysate method. The sub-MIC of crude cashewnut shell extract inhibited 85% of young biofilms. The MIC of GA were observed at 3 mg/ml and sub-MIC (1.5 mg/ml) was found to eradicate 85% of mature biofilms which was confirmed by standard crystal violet assay and the biofilm reduction was further visualized under light microscopy and scanning electron microscopic images. Toxicity of GA was evaluated against R. solanacearum through XTT cell viability assay and found no antibacterial effect at sub-MIC. Additionally, it is confirmed with growth curve and time kill assays. Swimming and twitching motility were considered as an important virulence factors to invade plants and to block the xylem vessels. Therefore, sub-MIC of GA was found to inhibit both swimming and twitching motility of about 93% and 63% respectively. Anti-biofilm efficacy of GA was also worked well with tomato plant model where remarkable biofilm inhibition was found on treatment with GA before and after 24 h of infection with R. solanacearum. Hence GA will be an alternative, cheap source which is eco-friendly as well as novel source for the treatment of R. solanacearum biofilms and to prevent wilt disease in important crops.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Effects of Anacardium Plants: An Ethnopharmacological Perspective

Anacardium plants have received increasing recognition due to its nutritional and biological properties. A number of secondary metabolites are present in its leaves, fruits, and other parts of the plant. Among the diverse Anacardium plants' bioactive effects, their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities comprise those that have gained more attention. Thus, the present article aims to review the Anacardium plants' biological effects. A special emphasis is also given to their pharmacological and clinical efficacy, which may trigger further studies on their therapeutic properties with clinical trials.

Cashew nuts (Anacardium occidentale L.) decrease visceral fat, yet augment glucose in dyslipidemic rats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the biological effects of roasted Cashew nuts consumption on biochemical and murinometric parameters in dyslipidemic rats receiving lipid supplementation. Young male rats were randomly assigned to three experimental groups (n = 10). The Control group (CONT) was treated with water, the Dyslipidemic group (DL) received a high fat content emulsion throughout the experiment, and the Dyslipidemic Cashew Nuts group (DLCN) received the same high fat content emulsion throughout the experiment, yet was treated with Cashew nuts. Body parameters, biochemical, hepatic and fecal fatty acid profiles were all evaluated. The levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides were higher in the DL and DLCN groups as compared to the control group. DLCN and CONT presented no difference in HDL levels. DLCN presented higher glycemia levels than the other groups. There was reduction of body fat in DLCN as compared to other groups, but with higher accumulations of liver fat. DLCN presented a reduction in saturated hepatic fatty acids of 20.8%, and an increase of 177% in relation to CONT; there was also a 21% in increase DL for ω9 fatty acids in comparison to CONT. As for fecal fatty acids, there was a lower concentration of polysaturates in DLCN as compared to the other groups. The data showed that the consumption of Cashew nuts by the dyslipidemic animals treated with a hyperlipidic diet induced greater accumulations of liver fat and worsened glycemic levels, despite having reduced visceral fats and increased fecal fat excretion.

Cold plasma processing effect on cashew nuts composition and allergenicity

The study investigated the influence of atmospheric plasma processing on cashew nut composition as well as on its allergenicity. The cashew nuts were processed by low-pressure plasma, using glow discharge plasma (80 W and 50 kHz power supply). Anacardic acids and allergens were quantified by HPLC and immunoassay, respectively. Additionally, the overall composition was evaluated by ¹H qNMR. Increases in amounts of anacardic acids (15:1, 15:2, and 15:3) and fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic) were detected after all process conditions, with 70.92% of total variance captured using 2 LVs. The total amount of anacardic acids increased from 0.7 to 1.2 μg·mg^-1 of nut. The major change was observed for anacardic acid (C15:3) with an increase from 0.2 to 0.55 μg/mg of nut for the samples treated with a flow of 10 mL·min^-1 and 30 min of processing. On the other hand, the amount of sucrose decreased, from 33 to 18 mg·g^-1 of nut, after all processing conditions. Plasma processing of cashew nuts did not affect binding of either the rabbit anti-cashew or human cashew allergic IgE binding. Among the treatments, 10 min of plasma processing at flow rate of 30 mL·min^-1 of synthetic air followed by 20 min at flow rate 5.8 mL·min^-1 had the least effect on nut composition as a whole.

Anacardium Plants: Chemical,Nutritional Composition and Biotechnological Applications

Anacardium plants are native to the American tropical regions, and Anacardium occidentale L. (cashew tree) is the most recognized species of the genus. These species contain rich secondary metabolites in their leaf and shoot powder, fruits and other parts that have shown diverse applications. This review describes the habitat and cultivation of Anacardium species, phytochemical and nutritional composition, and their industrial food applications. Besides, we also discuss the secondary metabolites present in Anacardium plants which display great antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. These make the use of Anacardium species in the food industry an interesting approach to the development of green foods.

Cardioprotective Potential of Plant-Derived Molecules: A Scientific and Medicinal Approach

Since the beginning of human civilization, plants have been used in alleviating the human distress and it was recorded for about thousands of years ago that the plants are being used for medicinal purposes. Natural bioactive compounds called phytochemicals are obtained from medicinal plants, vegetables, and fruits, which functions to combat against various ailments. There is dire need to explore the plant biodiversity for its medicinal and pharmacological potentials. Different databases such as Google scholar, Medline, PubMed, and the Directory of Open Access Journals were searched to find the articles describing the cardioprotective function of medicinal plants. Various substances from a variety of plant species are used for the treatment of cardiovascular abnormalities. The cardioprotective plants contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including diosgenin, isoflavones, sulforaphane, carotinized, catechin, and quercetin, have been proved to enhance cardioprotection, hence reducing the risk of cardiac abnormalities. The present review article provides the data on the use of medicinal plants particularly against cardiac diseases and to explore the molecules/phytoconstituents as plant secondary metabolites for their cardioprotective potential.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Anacardium occidentale Leaf Extract

In tropical America, principally in Northeastern Brazil, the leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale is traditionally used for treatment of different diseases. However, chemical and biological properties and activities of Anacardium occidentale are poorly investigated and known. Here, we evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities “in vitro” of leaf extract from Anacardium occidentale. Our results show that leaf extract exhibits antioxidant activity when used to treat RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Antioxidant effects were observed by decrease in oxidative damage in macrophage cells treated with 0.5 µg/mL and 5 µg/mL of leaf extract. Moreover, leaf extract reversed oxidative damage and inflammatory parameters induced in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Leaf extract at 0.5 µg/mL and 5 µg/mL was able to inhibit release of TNF-α and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated cells. Taken together, our results indicate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of leaf extract from Anacardium occidentale and reveal the positive effects that intake of these products can mediate in biological system.

Nutritional composition of raw fresh cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) kernels from different origin

The total dietary fiber, sugar, protein, lipid profile, sodium, and energy contents of 11 raw cashew kernel (Anacardium occidentale L.) samples from India, Brazil, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique, and Vietnam were determined. Total fat was the major component accounting for 48.3% of the total weight, of which 79.7% were unsaturated FA (fatty acids), 20.1% saturated FA, and 0.2% trans FA. Proteins, with 21.3 g/100 g, were ranked second followed by carbohydrates (20.5 g/100 g). The average sodium content was 144 mg/kg. Fourteen FA were identified among which oleic acid was the most abundant with a contribution of 60.7% to the total fat, followed by linoleic (17.77%), palmitic (10.2%), and stearic (8.93%) acids. The mean energy content was 2525 kJ/100g. Furthermore, the sterol profile and content, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals of four raw cashew kernel samples from Brazil, India, Ivory Coast, and Vietnam were determined. β-Sitosterol with 2380 ± 4 mg/kg fat was the most occurring sterol. Glutamic acid, with 4.60 g/100 g, was the amino acid with highest presence, whereas tryptophan with 0.32 g/100 g was the one with lower presence. Vitamin E with an average contribution of 5.80 mg/100 g was the most abundant vitamin. Potassium with a mean value of 6225 mg/kg was the mineral with highest amount in cashew samples.

Review of nut phytochemicals, fat-soluble bioactives, antioxidant components and health effects

The levels of phytochemicals (total phenols, proanthocyanidins, gallic acid + gallotannins, ellagic acid + ellagitannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes and phytates), fat-soluble bioactives (lipid, tocols, phytosterols, sphingolipids, carotenoids, chlorophylls and alkyl phenols) as well as natural antioxidants (nutrient and non-nutrient) present in commonly consumed twelve nuts (almond, Brazil nut, cashew, chestnut, hazelnut, heartnut, macadamia, peanut, pecan, pine nut, pistachio and walnut) are compared and reported. Recent studies adding new evidence for the health benefits of nuts are also discussed. Research findings from over 112 references, many of which have been published within last 10 years, have been compiled and reported.

Investigation of natural lipid-phenolic interactions on biological properties of virgin olive oil

There is limited knowledge regarding the impact of naturally occurring lipid-phenolic interactions on the biological properties of phenolics in virgin olive oil. Free and bound phenolics were isolated via sequential methanolic extraction at 30 and 60 °C, and were identified and quantified using reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and gas chromatography. Decreased oleic acid concentrations and increased concentrations of palmitoleic acid, stearic, linoleic, and linolenic acids were observed in virgin olive oil after removal of free and bound lipid phenolic compounds. The presence of p-hydroxybenzoic acid and tyrosol bound to glycerides was determined via LC-MS/MS, which indicates natural lipid-phenolic interactions in virgin olive oil. Both free and lipid bound phenolic extracts exerted antiproliferative activities against the CRC1 and CRC5 colorectal cancer cell lines. The present work indicates that naturally occurring lipid-phenolic interactions can affect the biological properties of phenolics in virgin olive oil.

The use of plants in the traditional management of diabetes in Nigeria: pharmacological and toxicological considerations

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The prevalence of diabetes is on a steady increase worldwide and it is now identified as one of the main threats to human health in the 21st century. In Nigeria, the use of herbal medicine alone or alongside prescription drugs for its management is quite common. We hereby carry out a review of medicinal plants traditionally used for diabetes management in Nigeria. Based on the available evidence on the species׳ pharmacology and safety, we highlight ways in which their therapeutic potential can be properly harnessed for possible integration into the country׳s healthcare system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnobotanical information was obtained from a literature search of electronic databases such as Google Scholar, Pubmed and Scopus up to 2013 for publications on medicinal plants used in diabetes management, in which the place of use and/or sample collection was identified as Nigeria. 'Diabetes' and 'Nigeria' were used as keywords for the primary searches; and then 'Plant name - accepted or synonyms', 'Constituents', 'Drug interaction' and/or 'Toxicity' for the secondary searches.

RESULTS

The hypoglycemic effect of over a hundred out of the 115 plants reviewed in this paper is backed by preclinical experimental evidence, either in vivo or in vitro. One-third of the plants have been studied for their mechanism of action, while isolation of the bioactive constituent(s) has been accomplished for twenty three plants. Some plants showed specific organ toxicity, mostly nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic, with direct effects on the levels of some liver function enzymes. Twenty eight plants have been identified as in vitro modulators of P-glycoprotein and/or one or more of the cytochrome P450 enzymes, while eleven plants altered the levels of phase 2 metabolic enzymes, chiefly glutathione, with the potential to alter the pharmacokinetics of co-administered drugs.

CONCLUSION

This review, therefore, provides a useful resource to enable a thorough assessment of the profile of plants used in diabetes management so as to ensure a more rational use. By anticipating potential toxicities or possible herb-drug interactions, significant risks which would otherwise represent a burden on the country׳s healthcare system can be avoided.

Synthesis of phenoxyacyl-ethanolamides and their effects on fatty acid amide hydrolase activity

N-Acylethanolamines (NAEs) are involved in numerous biological activities in plant and animal systems. The metabolism of these lipids by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is a key regulatory point in NAE signaling activity. Several active site-directed inhibitors of FAAH have been identified, but few compounds have been described that enhance FAAH activity. Here we synthesized two sets of phenoxyacyl-ethanolamides from natural products, 3-n-pentadecylphenolethanolamide and cardanolethanolamide, with structural similarity to NAEs and characterized their effects on the hydrolytic activity of FAAH. Both compounds increased the apparent Vmax of recombinant FAAH proteins from both plant (Arabidopsis) and mammalian (Rattus) sources. These NAE-like compounds appeared to act by reducing the negative feedback regulation of FAAH activity by free ethanolamine. Both compounds added to seedlings relieved, in part, the negative growth effects of exogenous NAE12:0. Cardanolethanolamide reduced neuronal viability and exacerbated oxidative stress-mediated cell death in primary cultured neurons at nanomolar concentrations. This was reversed by FAAH inhibitors or exogenous NAE substrate. Collectively, our data suggest that these phenoxyacyl-ethanolamides act to enhance the activity of FAAH and may stimulate the turnover of NAEs in vivo. Hence, these compounds might be useful pharmacological tools for manipulating FAAH-mediated regulation of NAE signaling in plants or animals.

Health benefits of nut consumption with special reference to body weight control

Nuts are an integral part of the Mediterranean food patterns, and their incorporation into the regular diets of human beings is believed to provide many health benefits. The recent recognition of nuts as "heart-healthy" foods by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given a major boost to the positive image of nuts. Nut consumption has been associated with several health benefits, such as antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic, cardioprotective, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic benefits, among other functional properties. However, although nuts possess these many health benefits, their consumption has been hampered by a lack of adequate information regarding those benefits. In addition, because nuts are energy-dense foods with high-fat content, there is a misconception among consumers that increased consumption may lead to unwanted gain in body weight with the risk of developing overweight/obesity. Nonetheless, available epidemiologic studies and short-term controlled feeding trials have supported the theory that the inclusion of nuts in the typical diet does not induce weight gain, despite an expected increase in total caloric intake. To address the misperception about nuts and body weight gain, the present review focuses mainly on the relation between nut consumption and body weight gain, in the context of the many health benefits of nuts.

Egg quality and yolk lipid composition of laying hens fed diets containing cashew nut meal

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of the addition of cashew nuts meal (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%) to laying hen diets on egg quality and yolk composition. The variables studied were: egg weight, specific gravity, Haugh Units, percentages of shell, albumen, and yolk, moisture, total solids, total lipids, fatty acids profile, and yolk cholesterol. The addition of up to 25% of cashew nuts meal to hen diets did not affect egg quality and freshness, moisture and total solids content. However, an increase in total lipid content and a decrease in yolk pigmentation was observed. Oleic acid level increased in the yolk, whereas palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acid levels decreased. The addition of cashew nuts meal increased the monounsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio in the yolk and reduced the cholesterol content. Therefore, the use of cashew nuts meal in laying hen diets favorably modifies the fatty acid composition of egg yolk and contributes to a better acceptance of this food by consumers since it also reduces yolk cholesterol levels.

Tree nut phytochemicals: composition, antioxidant capacity, bioactivity, impact factors. A systematic review of almonds, Brazils, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts

Tree nuts contain an array of phytochemicals including carotenoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols and polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids, proanthocyanidins (PAC) and stilbenes, all of which are included in nutrient databases, as well as phytates, sphingolipids, alkylphenols and lignans, which are not. The phytochemical content of tree nuts can vary considerably by nut type, genotype, pre- and post-harvest conditions, as well as storage conditions. Genotype affects phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes and phytosterols, but data are lacking for many other phytochemical classes. During the roasting process, tree nut isoflavones, flavanols and flavonols were found to be more resistant to heat than the anthocyanins, PAC and trans-resveratrol. The choice of solvents used for extracting polyphenols and phytosterols significantly affects their quantification, and studies validating these methods for tree nut phytochemicals are lacking. The phytochemicals found in tree nuts have been associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, antiviral, chemopreventive and hypocholesterolaemic actions, all of which are known to affect the initiation and progression of several pathogenic processes. While tree nut phytochemicals are bioaccessible and bioavailable in humans, the number of intervention trials conducted to date is limited. The objectives of the present review are to summarise tree nut: (1) phytochemicals; (2) phytochemical content included in nutrient databases and current publications; (3) phytochemicals affected by pre- and post-harvest conditions and analytical methodology; and (4) bioactivity and health benefits in humans.

In vivo antigenotoxic and anticlastogenic effects of fresh and processed cashew (Anacardium occidentale) apple juices

Cashew apple juice and cajuina (processed juice) are drinks widely consumed in northeast Brazil. In vitro studies have shown that both juices have antimutagenic activity as well as antioxidant effects. These juices contain vitamins, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. This in vivo study assessed the antigenotoxic and anticlastogenic effects of both drinks against genotoxicity and mutagenicity induced by cyclophosphamide. The comet, micronucleus, and chromosome aberrations tests were used. Male Swiss mice were divided into 6 groups (5 animals per group) and received the following by gavage, 0.15 mL/10 g body weight: group 1, water; group 2, cashew apple juice; group 3, cajuina juice; group 4, cashew apple juice and cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg); group 5, cajuina juice and cyclophosphamide; group 6: cyclophosphamide. Both drinks significantly reduced DNA damage of peripheral blood cells (P<.001), with modulation percentages of 60.82% (cashew apple juice) and 82.19% (cajuina) when compared with the cyclophosphamide group. Cashew apple juice and cajuina modulated cyclophosphamide-induced micronucleus frequency, with up to 80.0% inhibition. Cashew apple juice and cajuina decreased the average number of cells with chromosome aberrations in bone marrow of mice by 53% and 65%, respectively. These findings demonstrate the high antigenotoxic and anticlastogenic potential of cashew apple juice and cajuina in vivo, which can be related to the antioxidant compounds found in both drinks.