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Abstract

meningitis and devastating sepsis. 10 Medicinal plants have been used for combating various health problems caused by some microorganisms since the beginning of man's existence. Eighty percent of people globally rely on herbal medicines for some aspect of their primary healthcare. 11 In the same vein, the interest in the study of medicinal plants as pharmacologically active compounds has increased worldwide. 12 Anacardium occidentale Linn., commonly known as cashew tree belonging to the family Anacardiaceae, is an evergreen, large tree (10-12 m tall), with a short and irregularly shaped trunk. Its leathery textured leaves are elliptic to obovate (4-22 cm long and 2-15 cm broad), with smooth margins and are spirally arranged. The cashew nut, which is a boxing-glove or kidney shaped drupe with a single seed, grows at the end of the cashew apple. 13 An individual tree may produce 200-300 fruits per annum and keep on producing for twenty years or more; and may survive up to 50-60 years. 14 The immature leaves and shoots of cashew are consumed fresh or cooked; the nuts are popular snacks and food sources, while the apple is processed as jellies, juices, syrups and as intoxicating beverages like wine, brandy, and gin. The apples are also utilized in body care products like lotions, shampoos and anti-aging creams. Moreover, cashew kernels and apples are commonly employed in candy in China, Thailand, and India. The edible oil (similar to olive oil) produced from the kernels is used in cooking. 15-17 The leaves of A. occidentale are utilized in treating gum challenges and toothaches, while the buds and immature leaves are used in treating skin diseases in African herbal medicine and Ayurveda. 13 Also, the matured leaves are used for treating rheumatism or arthritis in Nigeria. 18 In Venezuela, the leaf decoction is used for treating diarrhoea and diabetes, but for amenorrhea and dysentery in Haiti. Its pulverized bark is used for treating diabetes in Colombia, while its