Phytochemical profile and antimicrobial activity of cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) extract

Plant phytochemicals have been reported to prolong life by their protections against numerous human health and metabolic conditions. Cashew plant, being a potential source of bioactive compounds, has the ability to ameliorate various lifestyle related diseases. In the present study fruit extracts from Anacardium occidentale L, were analysed for their phytochemical and antibacterial properties. The antibacterial activity of methanol extract of Anacardium occidentale L (cashew apple extract) against Streptococcus pyogenes, Micrococcus luteus, Salmonella typhimurium, Entrococcus faecali and Bacillus cereus were investigated using the agar diffusion method. The result obtained showed that cashew apple extract gave the widest zone of inhibition against one of the five test organisms at the concentration of 1 mg/disk. However, Salmonella typhimurium was more sensitive to the extract. The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of total phenolic content (405.54±27.50 mg/g), total flavonoids (2.378±0.38 mg/g), and tannins (33.17±3.96 mg/g) in the cashew apple extract which confirm its inhibitory activities against the test organisms. This therefore, supports the traditional medicinal use of Anacardium occidentale L in the treatment of bacterial infections.