ANALYSIS OF PHYTOCHEMICALS IN CASHEW APPLE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59415/ijfas.359Keywords:
Cashew apple, feni, urushiols, allergensAbstract
The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.), is a rich source of phytochemicals with potential health benefits and allergenic properties. In this study, the phytochemical content of the ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of cashew apple, nut shell, testa, as well as the fermented drink feni was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively through standard tests, thin layer chromatography and FTIR. Ethanolic extracts showed the highest flavonoid and phenolic content. FTIR analysis detected urushiol-like structures in cashew samples and feni, suggesting allergenic potential. None of the extracts demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, but some had antioxidant and pro-inflammatory activity. This study flags the presence of bioactive compounds in cashew derivatives and their implications in food safety and therapeutic use.
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