Evaluation of Antibacterial Effects of Different Leaf Extracts of Anacardium Occidentale (Cashew) Using Distilled Water and N-Hexane as Extracting Solvents

Abstract

This study explores the antibacterial effects of n-hexane and aqueous leaf extracts from Anacardiumoccidentale, a plant renowned for its use in traditional medicine.Conducted at the University of Nigeria, the investigation involved harvesting, drying, and finely grinding Anacardiumoccidentale leaves, followed by solvent extraction using distilled water and n-hexane.The study aimed to assess the antibacterial properties of these extracts against specific bacterial strains (Bacillus spp.and Pseudomonas spp.) using the agar well diffusion method for inhibition zones and the microdilution method for minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs).The findings revealed that both n-hexane and aqueous extracts exhibited considerable antibacterial activity, albeit with differing strength.The n-hexane extract showed significant inhibition against both bacterial strains at a concentration of 400 mg/ml, with lesser activity noted at 200 mg/ml.The aqueous extract demonstrated effectiveness only at 400 mg/ml.Notably, the MIC for the n-hexane extract was established at 400 mg/ml for both strains, whereas the aqueous extract's MIC exceeded the tested concentration range.In summary, the Anacardiumoccidentale leaf extracts, particularly the n-hexane extract, demonstrate notable antibacterial properties against Bacillus spp.and Pseudomonas spp.These results advocate for the plant's potential in developing new antibacterial agents.However, the extracts' bacteriostatic nature suggests they should be considered as part of a broader treatment regimen, potentially in combination with other antimicrobial therapies.