Anacardium occidentale bark Monograph

Anacardium occidentale L., commonly known as the cashew tree and native to South America, plays an essential role in traditional medicine. The aim of this work is to update the ethnopharmacological data with regards to the validation of the concrete use of a traditional herbal preparation (THP) based on an aqueous extract of A. occidentale bark. This THP is used to treat diabetes and other inflammatory conditions in Portugal and African Portuguese-speaking countries. The results of the quality and preclinical safety and efficacy studies we have conducted are systematised and discussed using the available scientific data on this medicinal plant. In addition, a comprehensive monograph will be presented that can help consumers and healthcare professionals to better use this medicinal plant. Quality control parameters for identification (botanical and chemical), purity (total ash and loss on drying) and assay (e.g. total phenols) are established. The results of in vivo repeated dose toxicity and genotoxicity as well as the in vitro Ames test suggest the continued safe use of this A. occidentale bark THP. This extract was found to be a source of natural antioxidants and demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity and the potential to improve glucose tolerance in animal models when administered at a dose of 127 mg/kg/day.

A. occidental bark THP is emerging as an interesting and promising therapeutic alternative for use in healthcare systems to treat and slow the progression of various pro-inflammatory diseases such as diabetes.

 

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Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Publication History

Article published online:
16 November 2023