Elementary Chemical Profiling and Antifungal Properties of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Nuts

Abstract: Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) has high demand in the world market due to wide range of applications. Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) has various range of biological properties. In the present study, an attempt was made to identify the phytochemicals present in the CNSL using solvent extract method. Antifungal activity of acetone, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts on A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, Curvalaria sp and Fusarium sp. were studied. Distinct range of antifungal spectrum observed was compared with the phytochemicals present. It is concluded that ethanol extracts were found to have broad spectrum and higher percentage of antifungal activity. Key words: Anacardium occidentale L. CNSL Phytochemicals Antifungal activity INTRODUCTION ethanol, ethyl acetate and acetone of cashew seed Anacardium occidentale L. belonging to coats against five various fungal isolates have been Anacardiaceae member, native of Brazil and have worked out. From these studies, it would be able to relate great economic and medicinal value. The commercial that phytochemicals entails in the antifungal activity importance of cashew is due to its richness in nutrient of CNSL