Antioxidant activity of various extracts of leaves of Anacardium occidentale (cashew).

Abstract

The antioxidant properties and the effect on nitric oxide (NO) production of various extracts of leaves of Anacardium occidentale were investigated. Radical-scavenging potential was evaluated using the 1,1-diphenyl-2picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. Griess assay was used to assess NO-inhibitory activity of the extracts. The antioxidant activity of aqueous, ethanol, and petroleum ether (60-80 0 C) extracts of the leaves of Anacardium occidentale was estimated. The order of the antioxidant potency of the plant extract is ethanol > aqueous > petroleum ether. The results suggest that the leaves of A.occidentale are a potent source of natural antioxidants.