The Potential of Cashew Apple Waste as a Slimming Agent

The cashew apple (Anacardium occidental L.) is a tropical fruit that is a byproduct of the cashew nut processing industry. Rich in vitamins, polyphenols, sugars, minerals, amino acids, and dietary fiber, it contains bioactive compounds and several active components (ascorbic acid, anacardic acid, carotenoids, condensed tannins, quercetin, and other phenolic) that serve as antioxidants. This study aims to determine the effect of giving cashew apple juice and its nutritional impact on Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus – Berkenhout 1769). The study adopted 21 male Wistar rats for 7 d fed with AIN 76 (American Institute of Nutrition 1976) diet, divided into three groups of seven rats. The first group was administered with fresh cashew apple juice treatment 0.14 % (CAJT 0.14 %), the second group with cashew apple juice 0.12 % (CAJT 0.12 %), and the last group with aquadest (Placebo) per day orally for 28 d. Employing an experimental method, variables of protein using Kjeldahl method, starch using the direct acid hydrolysis method, and calcium levels in the feces of experimental rats were observed. The data was obtained through analysis of variance, and differences among samples were tested using Least Significant Different (LSD). The results showed that CAJT 0.14 % significantly reduced protein digestibility (11.49 %) and starch feed (0.69 %) as well as weight rate by 78.85 g (38.34 %) while increased calcium excretion (0.44 %). CAJT 0.12 % followed at 11.36 %, 0.68%, 38.64 % (88.74 g), and 0.44 % respectively. Placebo was not affective towards research variables. The effect of consuming cashew apple juice regarding nutrient digestibility shows its potential for a commercial process as a functional food and a slimming agent, which answers the environmental need for waste utilizatio