Anti-inflammatory Properties of Anacardium occidentale Nuts and its Immunomodulatory Potentials

Abstract

Inflammation is a key driver of many chronic diseases and remains a major global health concern. Conventional anti-inflammatory drugs, while effective, often cause adverse effects, highlighting the need for safer alternatives. Anacardium occidentale (cashew) nuts, traditionally used in medicine, are rich in phytochemicals with potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of the n-hexane extract of A. occidentale nuts using in vitro, and in vivo models. In vitro, the extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity and inhibited protease, phospholipase A₂, and oxidative stress markers, and showed time-dependent modulation of platelet-activating factor (PAF), suggesting immunomodulatory potential. GC-FID detected 35 bioactive compounds, several of which showed favorable molecular docking scores against inflammatory targets compared to standard drugs; these computational findings, supported by FTIR functional group analysis, suggest a potential basis for the observed anti-inflammatory activity. In vivo, the extract significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw oedema (p < 0.05) in a time-dependent manner and decreased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), demonstrating potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. These findings support the traditional use of A. occidentale nuts in inflammation management and highlight their potential as a source of safe, effective anti-inflammatory agents.