Effects of a high walnut and high cashew nut diet on selected markers of the metabolic syndrome: a controlled feeding trial

We investigated the effects of a high walnut diet and a high unsalted cashew nut diet on selected markers of the metabolic syndrome. In a randomized, parallel, controlled study design, sixty-four subjects having the metabolic syndrome (twenty-nine men, thirty-five women) with a mean age of 45 (sd 10) years and who met the selection criteria were all fed a 3-week run-in control diet. Hereafter, participants were grouped according to gender and age and then randomized into three groups receiving a controlled feeding diet including walnuts, or unsalted cashew nuts or no nuts for 8 weeks. Subjects were required to have lunch at the metabolic ward of the Nutrition Department of the North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus). Both the walnut and the unsalted cashew nut intervention diets had no significant effect on the HDL-cholesterol, TAG, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, serum fructosamine, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, blood pressure and serum uric acid concentrations when compared to the control diet. Low baseline LDL-cholesterol concentrations in the cashew nut group may have masked a possible nut-related benefit. Plasma glucose concentrations increased significantly (P = 0·04) in the cashew nut group compared to the control group. By contrast, serum fructosamine was unchanged in the cashew nut group while the control group had significantly increased (P = 0·04) concentrations of this short-term marker of glycaemic control. Subjects displayed no improvement in the markers of the metabolic syndrome after following a walnut diet or a cashew nut diet compared to a control diet while maintaining body weight.

Biorefinery: a design tool for molecular gelators

Molecular gels, the macroscopic products of a nanoscale bottom-up strategy, have emerged as a promising functional soft material. The prospects of tailoring the architecture of gelator molecules have led to the formation of unique, highly tunable gels for a wide spectrum of applications from medicine to electronics. Biorefinery is a concept that integrates the processes of converting biomass/renewable feedstock and the associated infrastructure used to produce chemicals and materials, which is analogous to petroleum-based refinery. The current review assimilates the successful efforts to demonstrate the prospects of the biorefinery concept for developing new amphiphiles as molecular gelators. Amphiphiles based on naturally available raw materials such as amygdalin, vitamin C, cardanol, arjunolic acid, and trehalose that possess specific functionality were synthesized using biocatalysis and/or chemical synthesis. The hydrogels and organogels obtained from such amphiphiles were conceptually demonstrated for diverse applications including drug-delivery systems and the templated synthesis of hybrid materials.

The effects of high walnut and cashew nut diets on the antioxidant status of subjects with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Nut consumption is associated with a protective effect against coronary heart disease, partly due to its high antioxidant content. It is hypothesized that the inclusion of nuts in the diet will improve the antioxidant status of subjects with metabolic syndrome who may be vulnerable to impaired antioxidant status.

AIM

The effects of high cashew nut and high walnut diets on the antioxidant status of subjects with metabolic syndrome are investigated.

METHODOLOGY

Sixty-four volunteers (29 male and 35 female, 45 +/- 10y) with metabolic syndrome (diagnosed by using the ATP III criteria) received a prudent control diet, prepared in the metabolic kitchen of the North-West University, Potchefstroom campus (NWU-PC) for a period of 3 weeks (run-in). The participants were grouped according to gender and age and randomized into three groups, receiving either the walnut, cashew nut or the control diets for 8 weeks, while maintaining a stable body weight. Nuts provided 20% of daily energy intake. Fasting blood samples were taken after the run-in period (baseline) and at the end of the intervention period and analyzed for various antioxidant capacity markers.

RESULTS

The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of the walnut and cashew nut diets were significantly higher than the control diet. Despite this, the walnut and cashew nut diets had no significant effects on serum ORAC, reduced (GSH), oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, GSH:GSSG or diacron reactive metabolites (dRom) (total oxidant status) levels compared to the control group. However, all three groups showed significant improvements in antioxidant status from baseline to end (GSSG and dRom levels decreased; GSG:GSSG ratio and ORAC levels increased). This may be due to a general increased antioxidant intake from the prudent diet compared to the habitual diets.

CONCLUSION

Although the inclusion of walnuts and cashew nuts into a prudent diet resulted in an increased antioxidant capacity (ORAC) of the nut diets, compared to the control diet, it did not improve the serum antioxidant profiles of subjects with metabolic syndrome.

Activities of some Brazilian plants against larvae of the mosquito Aedes aegypti

The insecticidal activities of extracts and oils of seventeen medicinal plants of Brazil have been determined using an Aedes aegypti larvicidal bioassay. Oils from Anacardium occidentalis, Copaifera langsdorffii, Carapa guianensis, Cymbopogon winterianus and Ageratum conyzoides showed high activities with LC50 values of 14.5, 41, 57, 98 and 148 microg/l, respectively. The most active ethanolic extract tested was that from the stem of Annona glabra which presented an LC50 value of 27 microg/l. The potential application of cashew nut oil, an industrial by-product with low commercial value, in the control of the vector of dengue and yellow fever, may be proposed.

Cashew nut allergy is associated with a high risk of anaphylaxis

Cashew allergy is an evolving clinical problem. A retrospective chart review of 213 children with peanut or tree nut allergy was undertaken over a 42 month period. Anaphylaxis to cashew nut was more common than to peanut (74.1% v 30.5%). Children with cashew allergy are at risk of anaphylaxis.

Consumption of Anacardium Occidentale L. (Cashew Nuts) Inhibits Oxidative Stress through Modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-kB Pathways

Ischemia/reperfusion injury is a severe disorder associated with a high mortality. Several antioxidant and pharmacological properties of cashew nuts (Anacardium occidentale L.) and its metabolites from different countries have recently been described. It is a medicinal plant with important therapeutic effects. This study aimed to verify the effect of an oral administration of cashew nuts in a rat model of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Adult male rats were subjected to intestinal I/R injury by clamping the superior mesenteric artery for 30 min and then allowing animals to 1 h of reperfusion. Rats subjected to I/R of the gut showed a significant increase in different biochemical markers. In particular, we evaluated lipid peroxidation, tissue myeloperoxidase activity, protein carbonyl content, reactive oxygen species generation and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities. Western blot analysis showed the activation of the NRF2 and NF-kB pathways. Increased immunoreactivity to nitrotyrosine, PARP, P-selectin, and ICAM-1 was observed in the ileum of rats subjected to I/R. Administration of cashew nuts (100 mg/kg) significantly reduced the mortality rate, the fall in arterial blood pressure, and oxidative stress and restored the antioxidant enzyme activities by a mechanism involving both NRF2 and NF-kB pathways. Cashew nuts treatments reduced cytokines plasma levels, nitrotyrosine, and PARP expression as well as adhesion molecules expressions. Additionally, cashew nuts decreased the intestinal barrier dysfunction and mucosal damage, the translocation of toxins and bacteria, which leads to systemic inflammation and associated organs injuries in particular of liver and kidney. Our study demonstrates that cashew nuts administration exerts antioxidant and pharmacological protective effects in superior mesenteric artery occlusion–reperfusion shock.

Cashew Nut Consumption Increases HDL Cholesterol and Reduces Systolic Blood Pressure in Asian Indians with Type 2 Diabetes: A 12-Week Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence that nut consumption decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, there are few data on the health effects of cashew nuts among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the effects of cashew nut supplementation on glycemia, body weight, blood pressure, and lipid profile in Asian Indians with T2DM.

METHODS

In a parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial, 300 adults with T2DM [mean ± SD age: 51 ± 9.3 y; body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2): 26.0 ± 3.4; 55% male] were randomly assigned to receive advice to follow a standard diabetic diet (control) or similar advice plus 30 g cashew nuts/d (intervention) for 12 wk. The macronutrient composition of the prescribed diabetic diet was 60-65% energy from carbohydrates, 15-25% from fat, and the rest from protein. Differences between groups in changes in anthropometric and biochemical variables were analyzed using linear models with robust variance estimation under an assumed independence working correlation.

RESULTS

Participants in the intervention group had a greater decrease in systolic blood pressure from baseline to 12 wk than did controls (-4.9 ± 13.7 compared with -1.7 ± 11.6 mm Hg; P = 0.04) and a greater increase in plasma HDL cholesterol compared with controls (+1.7 ± 5.6 compared with +0.1 ± 4.6 mg/dL; P = 0.01). There were no differences between the groups with respect to changes in body weight, BMI, blood lipid, and glycemic variables. Plasma oleic acid concentrations and self-reported dietary intake of nuts, oleic acid, and monounsaturated fatty acids suggested excellent compliance with the nut consumption.

CONCLUSION

Cashew nut supplementation in Asian Indians with T2DM reduced systolic blood pressure and increased HDL cholesterol concentrations with no deleterious effects on body weight, glycemia, or other lipid variables. This study was registered at the clinical trial registry of India as CTRI/2017/07/009022.

Hypoglycaemic effect of stigmast-4-en-3-one and its corresponding alcohol from the bark of Anacardium occidentale (cashew)

Intravenous administration of the hexane extract of the bark of Anacardium occidentale (cashew) in normal, healthy dogs produced a significant lowering of the blood glucose levels. Pursuit of the hypoglycaemic principle(s) in the hexane extract resulted in the isolation and characterization of two compounds, stigmast-4-en-3-ol (1) and stigmast-4-en-3-one (2). These compounds were purified by chromatographic methods and the structures were characterized by spectroscopic methods. Both compounds produced significant hypoglycaemic activity after intravenous administration at a dose of 1.3 mg/kg body weight. The bark of the cashew plant, A. occidentale, exhibited a hypoglycaemic effect probably due to the presence of these compounds.

Antidiarrheal activity of cashew GUM, a complex heteropolysaccharide extracted from exudate of Anacardium occidentale L. in rodents

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae) is commonly known as the cashew tree. It is native to tropical America and extracts of the leaves, bark, roots, chestnut net and exudate have been traditionally used in northeast Brazil for the treatment of various diseases. The exudate of the cashew tree (cashew gum) has been exploited by locals since ancient times for multiple applications, including the treatment of diarrheal diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The primary aim of the present study is to evaluate the antidiarrheal activity of cashew gum (CG), a complex heteropolysaccharide from the exudate of the cashew tree, using various models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antidiarrheal activity of cashew gum (CG) against acute diarrhea was investigated using the castor oil-induced diarrhea model. The effects of CG on gastrointestinal transit and castor oil- and PGE2- induced enteropooling were also examined in rodents. In addition, the effect of CG against secretory diarrhea was investigated using a model of fluid secretion in cholera toxin-treated intestinal closed loops in live mice.

RESULTS

Cashew gum (30, 60, and 90 mg/kg, p.o.) showed a significant (P<0.05-0.01) antidiarrheal effect in rats with castor oil-induced diarrhea, inhibiting the total amount of stool and diarrheal stools. The 60 mg/kg dose of CG exhibited excellent antidiarrheal activity and significantly reduced the severity of diarrhea (diarrhea scores) in rats. CG (60 mg/kg) significantly (P<0.05) decreased the volume of castor oil- and PGE2-induced intestinal fluid secretion (enteropooling). In addition, similar to loperamide (standard drug, 5 mg/kg, p.o.), CG treatment reduced the distance traveled by a charcoal meal in the 30-min gastrointestinal transit model by interacting with opioid receptors. In cholera toxin-induced secretory diarrhea, CG (60 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the intestinal fluid secretion and decreased Cl(-) ion loss in the cholera toxin(-)treated isolated loops model of live mice by competitively binding to cholera toxin-GM1 receptors.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our results indicate that a complex heteropolysaccharide extracted from the exudate of A. occidentale L. has antidiarrheal activity in acute, inflammatory, and secretory diarrhea models, which could justify its traditional use in the treatment of diarrhea in northeast Brazil. The antidiarrheal activity might be explained by the capacity of CG to inhibit gastrointestinal motility and thereby reduce the accumulation of intestinal fluid and the secretion of water and chloride ions in the lumen of the intestine.

Modulation of baroreflex sensitivity by walnuts versus cashew nuts in subjects with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Impaired baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) is associated with cardiovascular diseases and the metabolic syndrome. Because lipid abnormalities have been associated with impaired BRS, this study aimed to determine whether diets known to improve the lipid profile, namely a diet high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (walnuts) or monounsaturated fatty acids (cashew nuts), would improve BRS in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS).

METHODS

A controlled feeding trial with a randomized, controlled, parallel study design was undertaken, which involved 62 subjects with MS. Subjects were stratified according to gender and age and were randomized into three groups receiving a control diet, or a diet high (20% energy) in walnuts or unsalted cashew nuts for 8 weeks while maintaining body weight. The BRS, C-reactive protein (CRP), and MS components were measured before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

After the intervention, BRS in the walnut-fed study group decreased (P = .038) and that in the cashew-fed study group increased (P = .036), but the BRS in the control group did not change (P = .56). The percent change of the walnut versus cashew group differed (P = .019). Body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triacylglycerol did not change. The fasting glucose concentrations of the cashew group increased (P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

The significant improvements in BRS obtained by a diet rich in cashew nuts underline the beneficial cardiovascular effects of nuts. However, the opposite result was obtained with a diet rich in walnuts. These significant changes observed might indicate that BRS is particularly sensitive and influenced by changes in diet without changes in obesity.

Effects of Anacardium occidentale stem bark extract on in vivo inflammatory models

The methanol extract of Anacardium occidentale stem bark was evaluated for activities against the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic shock, as well as LPS-induced microvascular permeability in mice. Pre-treatment with Anacardium occidentale extract (25-200 mg/kg) caused a dose-dependent and significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the elevated levels of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases in the sera of D-galactosamine-primed mice injected with LPS. The highest dose of the extract studied (200 mg/kg) produced a 100% protection against death from sepsis. Pentoxifylline (100 mg/kg) and L-NAME (5 mg/kg) offered 100% protection against LPS-induced septic shock, and produced marked reduction in elevated levels of transferases. A dose-related inhibition of LPS-induced microvascular permability in mice was also produced by pentoxifylline, L-NAME and the extract.

Laboratory evaluation of the hypoglycemic effect of Anacardium occidentale Linn (Anacardiaceae) stem-bark extracts in rats

This study evaluated the hypoglycemic effect of stem-bark extracts of Anacardium occidentale Linn., of the Anacardiaceae family, in normal (normoglycemic) and in streptozotocin-treated diabetic rats. Young adult, male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were used. Diabetes mellitus was induced in the test rats by intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (STZ, 90 mg/kg). In one set of experiments, graded doses of the aqueous and methanolic stem-bark extracts of A. occidentale (100-800 mg/kg p.o.) were separately administered to groups of fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. In another set of experiments, 800 mg/kg p.o. of the aqueous or methanolic extract of the plant, a dose which produced maximal hypoglycemic effects in both fasted normal and diabetic rats in the previous set of experiments, were used. The hypoglycemic effects of single doses (i.e., 800 mg/kg p.o.) of A. occidentale stem-bark aqueous and methanolic extracts were compared with those of insulin (5 microU/kg s.c.) and glibenclamide (0.2 mg/kg p.o.) in both fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. Following acute treatment, relatively moderate-to-high doses of A. occidentale stem-bark extracts (100-800 mg/kg p.o.) produced dose-dependent, significant reductions (p< 0.05-0.001) in the blood glucose concentrations of both fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. On their own, both insulin (5 microU/kg s.c.) and glibenclamide (0.2 mg/kg p.o.) produced significant reductions (p< 0.01-0.001) in the blood glucose concentrations of the fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. At single doses of 800 mg/kg p.o., A. occidentale stem-bark aqueous and methanolic extracts significantly reduced (p< 0.001) the mean basal blood glucose concentrations of fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. The hypoglycemic effect of the methanolic plant extract was found to be slightly more pronounced than that of the aqueous plant extract in both the normal and diabetic rats examined. A. occidentale contains a diverse group of chemical compounds. Since methanol extractives of plants usually contain many chemical compounds, each of which is capable of producing definite biological activities via different mechanisms, it is difficult to draw any logical conclusion on the mechanism of the hypoglycemic effect of such a diverse mixture of chemical compounds contained in the plant extracts used in this study. While it is possible that the hypoglycemic effects of the plant extracts may be due, at least in part, to their terpenoid and/or coumarin contents, the mechanism of their hypoglycemic action remains largely speculative. However, this is unlikely to be due to the stimulation of pancreatic beta-cells and subsequent secretion of insulin. Although A. occidentale stem-bark aqueous or methanolic extract is less potent than insulin as an antidiabetic agent, the results of this experimental animal study indicate that it possesses hypoglycemic activity, and thus lends credence to the folkloric use of the plant in the management and/or control of adult-onset, type-2 diabetes mellitus among the Yoruba-speaking people of Western Nigeria.

Flavor composition of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) and marmeleiro (Croton species) honeys

The aim of this work was to characterize the volatile fractions of two Brazilian honeys known as caju and marmeleiro. The volatile components were isolated by a column extraction technique using acetone as the extraction solvent. Totals of 59 and 36 volatile compounds were definitely or tentatively identified in the caju and marmeleiro honeys, respectively, using reference substances, mass spectral libraries, and the odor qualities of the compounds eluted from the GC column. Aroma extraction dilution analysis allowed the tentative identification of furfuryl mercaptan, benzyl alcohol, delta-octalactone, gamma-decalactone, eugenol, benzoic acid, isovaleric acid, phenylethyl alcohol, and 2-methoxyphenol as impact volatile compounds in the caju honey. In the marmeleiro honey, only isovaleric acid, gamma-decalactone, benzoic acid, and vanillin were considered to be potent odorants. This study showed that the medium- to high-boiling volatile compounds are important contributors to the characteristic aroma of these honeys.

Metabolizable Energy from Cashew Nuts is Less than that Predicted by Atwater Factors

Recent studies have demonstrated that the energy provided by several tree nuts is less than that predicted by the Atwater factors, though energy available from cashews has never been assessed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the metabolizable energy in cashew nuts. Eighteen healthy adults were enrolled in a randomized, crossover study with two treatment periods. Subjects were fed a fully controlled base diet for 4 weeks with either no additions or with the addition of 42 g/day (1.5 servings) of cashew nuts, with the final treatment diets being isocaloric. Complete diet collections were analyzed for nitrogen (for protein), fat, energy, and carbohydrate by difference. During the final week of each intervention phase, subjects collected all feces and urine produced, and these were also analyzed for nitrogen (feces and urine), energy (feces and urine), and fat (feces). The resulting data were used to calculate the metabolizable energy of cashews and the digestibility of macronutrients. The average available energy (calorie) content of a 28 g serving of cashew nuts was 137 kcal (±3.4 kcal SEM) and ranged from 105 to 151 kcal. The mean value of 137 kcal/serving is 16% lower (p < 0.0001) than what is typically found on food labels. Digestibility of energy, fat, protein, and carbohydrate was lower for the cashew-containing diet compared to the control diet (92.9% vs. 94.9%, p < 0.0001 for energy; 96.1% vs. 97.8%, p = 0.0009 for fat; 90.1% vs. 91.2%, p = 0.0012 for protein; 92.9% vs. 94.9%, p < 0.0001 for carbohydrate; for the cashew-containing diet vs. the control diet, respectively). In conclusion, cashews provide fewer calories than the values predicted by the Atwater factors, as found on current food labels.

Enzyme synthesis of oligosaccharides using cashew apple juice as substrate

The use of agriculture substrates in industrial biotechnological processes has been increasing because of their low cost. In this work, the use of clarified cashew apple juice was investigated as substrate for enzyme synthesis of prebiotic oligosaccharide. The results showed that cashew apple juice is a good source of reducing sugars and can be used as substrate for the production of dextransucrase by Leuconostoc citreum B-742 for the synthesis of oligosaccharides using the crude enzyme. Optimal oligosaccharide yield (approximately 80%) was obtained for sucrose concentrations lower than 60 g/L and reducing sugar concentrations higher than 100 g/L.

Adsorption of brilliant green dye onto activated carbon prepared from cashew nut shell by KOH activation: Studies on equilibrium isotherm

Activated carbon from cashew nut shell via a potassium hydroxide (KOH) at 600 °C in an N₂ atmosphere and their characteristics using FT-IR, XRD, SEM with EDS, and BET analysis was investigated. The cashew nut shell activated carbon obtained by KOH activation with a CNS/KOH ratio of 1:1 at 600 °C (N₂ atmosphere) for 2 h had the highest surface area (407.80 m²/g) as compared to other ratio samples. Amongst, CNS/KOH ratios of 1:1 sample are used for the adsorbent, they are effects of contact time, pH, adsorbent dose, and initial dye concentration on brilliant green (BG) removal efficiency were studied. Moreover, the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models consisted utilized to affirm the adsorption isotherms. They are, best fitting for BG experimental equilibrium data was achieved with the Langmuir isotherm, giving a maximum BG adsorption capacity of 243.90 mg/g.

Superabsorbent Hydrogels Based to Polyacrylamide/Cashew Tree Gum for the Controlled Release of Water and Plant Nutrients

Agricultural production is influenced by the water content in the soil and availability of fertilizers. Thus, superabsorbent hydrogels, based on polyacrylamide, natural cashew tree gum (CG) and potassium hydrogen phosphate (PHP), as fertilizer and water releaser were developed. The structure, morphology, thermal stability and chemical composition of samples of polyacrylamide and cashew tree gum hydrogels with the presence of fertilizer (HCGP) and without fertilizer (HCG) were investigated, using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA/DTG) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Swelling/reswelling tests, textural analysis, effect of pH, release of nutrients and kinetics were determined; the ecotoxicity of the hydrogels was investigated by the Artemia salina test. The results showed that PHP incorporation in the hydrogel favored the crosslinking of chains. This increased the thermal stability in HCGP but decreased the hardness and adhesion properties. The HCGP demonstrated good swelling capacity (~15,000 times) and an excellent potential for reuse after fifty-five consecutive cycles. The swelling was favored in an alkaline pH due to the ionization of hydrophilic groups. The sustained release of phosphorus in HCGP was described by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, and Fickian diffusion is the main fertilizer release mechanism. Finally, the hydrogels do not demonstrate toxicity, and HCGP has potential for application in agriculture.

Separation of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nut shell liquid with supercritical carbon dioxide

Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) represents the largest readily available bioresource of alkenyl phenolic compounds. In this work, separation of CNSL from the pericarp of the cashew nut with supercritical carbon dioxide was studied. In the initial extractions with CO(2) at 40-60 degrees C and at pressures from 14.7 to 29.4 MPa, low yields were obtained. However, when the extractions were performed with one or more intermediate depressurization steps, the yield of CNSL increased to as high as 94%. Most of the oil did not separate from the shell during the depressurization step, but was obtained during the subsequent repressurization. The CNSL extract had a clear light brownish pink color and exhibited no evidence of polymerization or degradation. The pressure profile extraction method proposed in this work increases the possible CNSL extraction yields and greatly reduces the amount of CO(2) required for CNSL separation.

Synthesis and characterization of TiO2 loaded cashew nut shell activated carbon and photocatalytic activity on BG and MB dyes under sunlight radiation

Synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and TiO2 loaded cashew nut shell activated carbon (TiO2/CNSAC) had been undertaken using sol-gel method and their application in BG and MB dyes removal under sunlight radiation has been investigated. The synthesized photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-Vis-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The various experimental parameters like amount of catalyst, contact time for efficient dyes degradation of BG and MB were concerned in this study. Activity measurements performed under solar irradiation has shown good results for the photodegradation of BG and MB in aqueous solution. It was concluded that the higher photocatalytic activity in TiO2/CNSAC was due to parameters like band-gap, number of hydroxyl groups, surface area and porosity of the catalyst. The kinetic data were also described by the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models.

Characterization of the particulate matter and relationship between buccal micronucleus and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels among cashew nut roasting workers

The present study is the first assessment of occupational risk associated with artisanal cashew nut roasting using exposure and effect biomarkers, as well as a characterization and dispersion analysis of the released particulate matter (PM). A real-time particle monitor was used to quantify PM_1.0, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀. Furthermore, the PM was sampled using a Handi-vol sampler, and the physicochemical characteristics were determined by SEM-EDS analysis. Trajectories, dispersion and deposition of the emitted material were calculated using the NOAA-HYSPLIT model. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) levels were analyzed by HPLC. DNA damage, chromosomal instability and cell death were measured by a buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCyt). The PM concentrations for all measurements in the exposed area were higher than in the non-exposed area. SEM-EDS analyses exhibited a wide variety of particles, and K, Cl, S and Ca biomass burning tracers were the major inorganic compounds. In addition, atmospheric modeling analysis suggested that these particles can reach regions farther away than 40 kilometers. Occupational polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure was confirmed by increases in 1-OHP levels in cashew nut workers. Frequencies of BMCyt biomarkers of genotoxicity (micronuclei and nuclear bud) and cytotoxicity (pyknosis, karyolysis, karyorrhexis and condensed chromatin) were higher in the exposed group compared with the controls. The influence of factors, such as age, on the micronuclei frequencies was demonstrated, and a correlation between 1-OHP and micronuclei was observed. To the best of our knowledge, no other study has demonstrated a correlation between these types of biomarkers. The use of exposure (1-OHP) and effect (BMCyt) biomarkers were therefore efficient in assessing the occupational risk associated with artisanal cashew nut roasting, and the high rates of PM_2.5 are considered to be a potential contributor to this effect.

Formulation and physicochemical and sensorial evaluation of biscuit-type cookies supplemented with fruit powders

Cashew apple and guava residues from fruit juice industry were prepared as dehydrated fruit powders and used at different levels of wheat flour substitution for cookies formulations. The effects of guava and cashew apple fruit powders supplementation on physicochemical and sensorial characteristics of the cookies were evaluated. The pH, fibre and protein content were significantly affected. Biscuits with 15 g and 20 g/100g cashew apple and guava fruit powders showed the highest scores for sensorial attributes, respectively. The supplementation seems to be suited for wheat flour substitution and it is possible to obtain cookies with value-added food ingredient within the standards.

The reduction of formaldehyde and VOCs emission from wood-based flooring by green adhesive using cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL)

To discuss the reduction of formaldehyde and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from engineered flooring, cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL)-formaldehyde (CF) resin and CF/PVAc resin were applied for the maple face of the veneer bonding on plywood. The CF resin was used to replace urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin in the formaldehyde-based resin system in order to reduce formaldehyde and VOC emissions from the adhesives used between the plywoods and fancy veneers. For the CF/PVAc resins, 5, 10, 20 or 30% of PVAc was added to the CF resin. The CF/PVAc resins showed better bonding than the commercial natural tannin adhesive with a higher level of wood penetration. The standard formaldehyde emission test and a VOC analyzer were used to determine the formaldehyde and VOC emissions, respectively, from the engineered floorings. The CF resin and CF/PVAc resin systems with UV coating satisfied the E(1) and E(0) grades of the Korean Standard. TVOC emission was slightly increased by the PVAc addition.

Consumption of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Nuts Counteracts Oxidative Stress and Tissue Inflammation in Mild Hyperhomocysteinemia in Rats

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is a methionine metabolism problem that causes a variety of inflammatory illnesses. Oxidative stress is among the processes thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of the damage produced by HHcy. HHcy is likely to involve the dysfunction of several organs, such as the kidney, liver, or gut, which are currently poorly understood. Nuts are regarded as an important part of a balanced diet since they include protein, good fatty acids, and critical nutrients. The aim of this work was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of cashew nuts in HHcy induced by oral methionine administration for 30 days, and to examine the possible pathways involved. In HHcy rats, cashew nuts (100 mg/kg orally, daily) were able to counteract clinical biochemical changes, oxidative and nitrosative stress, reduced antioxidant enzyme levels, lipid peroxidation, proinflammatory cytokine release, histological tissue injuries, and apoptosis in the kidney, colon, and liver, possibly by the modulation of the antioxidant nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 NRF-2 and inflammatory nuclear factor NF-kB pathways. Thus, the results suggest that the consumption of cashew nuts may be beneficial for the treatment of inflammatory conditions associated with HHcy.

Anacardium humile St. Hil as a novel source of antioxidant, antiglycation and α-amylase inhibitors molecules with potential for management of oxidative stress and diabetes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The substantial increase in diabetes cases worldwide has been a major public health problem, and the use of medicinal plants can be considered an interesting alternative to control the disease and its complications. Anacardium humile St. Hill. (Anacardiaceae) is a typical plant from the Brazilian savanna, popularly known for its antidiarrheal, expectorant, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties, however, few studies have fully described its biological properties. This study aimed to investigate in vitro and ex vivo the antioxidant and antiglycation potential of A. humile ethanolic extract, its organic fractions and three isolated molecules (quercetin, catechin and gallic acid), their capacity to inhibit the glycolytic enzyme α-amylase, as well as their cytotoxic effects against RAW264.7 macrophages.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The ethanolic extract of A. humile, its organic fractions and three isolated molecules (catechin, quercetin and gallic acid) were tested for their antioxidant (ORAC, FRAP and DPPH) and antiglycation (BSA/Fructose, BSA/Methylglyoxal, Arginine/Methylglyoxal and Lysine/Methylglyoxal) capacities, and also for its potential to inhibit the enzyme α-amylase. Additionally, bioactive compounds present in the A. humile leaves fractions were elucidated by an HPLC-ESIMS/MS analysis.

RESULTS

The analysis showed relevant antioxidant activity of DCM (1264.85 ± 76.90 μM Trolox eq/g ORAC; 216.71 ± 1.04 μM Trolox eq/g FRAP and 3.03 ± 0.08 IC₅₀ μg/mL IC₅₀ DPPH) and EtOAc (1300.11 ± 33.04 ORAC, 236.21 ± 23.86 FRAP and 3.03 ± 0.14 μg/mL IC₅₀ DPPH) fractions and also of the isolated molecules, mainly gallic acid (1291.19 ± 8.41 μM Trolox eq/g ORAC, 1103.52 ± 31.48 μM Trolox eq/g FRAP and 0.78 ± 0.11 μg/mL IC₅₀ DPPH). Concerning the antiglycation activity, all samples inhibited over 88% in the BSA-FRU method. In the BSA-MGO and ARG-MGO methods, the Hex, DCM, EtOAc fractions and the isolated molecule catechin stood out. However, in the LYS-MGO model, only the isolated molecules showed significant results. In α-amylase assay, all fractions, for exception Hex, presented notable inhibition capacity with low IC₅₀ values, especially DCM, EtOAc, ButOH and H₂O (IC₅₀ 0.56 ± 0.10, 0.84 ± 0.01, 0.74 ± 0.03 and 0.79 ± 0.06 μg/mL, respectively). Tests using hepatic tissue showed a notorious capacity of the DCM, AcOEt and ButOH fractions, as well as of the isolated molecules to inhibit lipid peroxidation and ROS production, and also to preserve thiol groups. Molecules of great antioxidant potential were found in our samples, such as kaempferol, quercetin, catechin, gallic acid and luteolin.

CONCLUSION

A. humile extract and its organic fractions showed promising antioxidant and antiglycation potential and a prominent capacity to inhibit the α-amylase enzyme. Hence, this study presents new results and stimulates further research to elucidate the biological properties of A. humile and its capacity to manage DM and its complications.