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Cashew
( Anacardium humile or
occidentale )
Family
Anacardiaceae
Synonyms
Caju do campo, cazuzinho
Character
Anthelmintic, antiparasite
Description
The cashew family of plants
consists of over fifty genera and nearly 600 species. These shrubs or trees
grow in tropical forested areas. Cashew trees are small but tall with stubby
twisted leaves. They bear a smooth, grey, kidney-shaped fruit from October
to November and this fruit yields the nut. The peduncle is fleshy and either
red or yellow. Cashew bark is resinous and produces a gum that has been used
like gum arabic in varnish products.
Phytochemistry
The fleshy capsule which holds
the fruit contains a rich supply of riboflavin and ascorbic acid. Cashew oil
contains cardol and anacardic acid. The anacardiaceae family of plants is
known for its phenol and phenolic acid content ( anacardol, anacardic acid,
etc) which is responsible for casing significant skin irritation. Anacardic
acid has been reported to have anthelmintic properties. Terpenes,
triterpenes, polyphenols and tannins are also found in this family. The
leaves are alkaloid positive.
Traditional rain forest use
The Tikunas used juice extracted
from the peduncle of the cashew for flu-like symptoms. Decoctions made from
the bark and leaves of the cashew tree were prescribed fro cases of
diarrhea. The Tikunas also used bark teas during menstruation because they
believed the plant had contraceptive properties. Caju or cashew oil was used
to treat leprosy. Bark shavings were heated to make a mouthwash for ulcers
and sore throats. Bark infusions were also used to treat diabetes and
asthmatic conditions. Tonics made from the pods that contain the cashew
fruit were used in cases of diarrhea and as sedatives. Cashew oil was
prescribed for syphilis and skin diseases. Bark extracts treated hemorrhages
and were also considered anti-diabetics. When combined with sugar cane,
cashew bark was also used as an aphrodisiac. A golden resin that was
collected after cutting the tree was traditionally mixed with water and used
as an expectorant for coughs. This same resin could also be dried and when
mixed with water was used to treat amenorrhea ( missed menstrual periods ).
Modern medicinal applications
Due to its caustic properties,
cashew oil has been used as natural antiseptic and as a treatment for warts
and other neoplastic skin disease. ( NOTE: Nut-bearing trees such as black
walnut often possess antiparasitic properties. )
Safety
Use cashew under the supervision
of a health-care professional |
