Extraction of Anacardic Acid and its Applications. A review

Abstract

Anacardic acid is a well-known by-product obtained from the processing of the cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.). Its applicability is a result of great properties originated by its oily nature, being from a general overview a mixture of phenolic compounds with hydrophobic structural segments linked in ortho-position to salicylic acid. Among the main properties described for Anacardic acid are highlighted those denoted to be biological-type, including anti-inflammatory, antifungal, anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, antitumor, antimutagenic, and antiviral activities. This short review provides important information on Anacardic acid related to its structure, extraction, characterization, and applicability in order to show the potentialities of this agro-industrial waste for technological applications.