What to know about Anacardium occidentale (cashew) before using it medicinally

Anacardium occidentale, commonly known as cashew, is a plant that has been prized for its medicinal properties, which range from reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health to boosting the immune system and fighting off cancer cells.

As a versatile and adaptable plant, cashew trees are relatively easy to cultivate and require a subtropical climate, making them a popular choice for small-scale farmers and permaculture enthusiasts. The Anacardium occidentale plant belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and is characterized by its unique, twin-lobed fruit and fragrant, green leaves that release a distinctive aroma when crushed.

Native to Brazil, cashew has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and has been mentioned in various historical texts, including the ancient Indian medical text, the Ayurvedic Charaka Samhita.

This article explains the medicinal, horticultural, botanical, and historical aspects of Anacardium occidentale .

What are the medicinal properties of Anacardium occidentale ?

Anacardium occidentale helps with various health conditions, including fever, rheumatism, and skin problems. It is also used to treat scurvy, indigestion, and diarrhea. The plant's medicinal properties have been recognized for centuries in traditional medicine.

The active constituents of Anacardium occidentale include anacardic acids, cardol, and cardanol, which give the plant its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. These compounds are responsible for the plant's therapeutic effects.

The most commonly used parts of the Anacardium occidentale for medicinal purposes are the seeds, leaves, and bark. The seeds contain the highest concentration of anacardic acids, making them the most potent part of the plant. The leaves and bark are also used to make infusions and decoctions for various health conditions.

Improper use of Anacardium occidentale can cause side effects such as allergic reactions, skin irritation, and gastrointestinal problems. The plant's anacardic acids can be toxic in large quantities, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Precautions when using Anacardium occidentale medicinally include proper identification of the plant, proper dosage, and caution when using the plant's seeds. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using the plant, and individuals with allergies or sensitivities should exercise caution when using it.

What are the horticulural aspects of Anacardium occidentale ?

Anacardium occidentale grow best in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires high temperatures, with an optimal range of 24-30°C (75-86°F). Average annual rainfall of 1,000-2,000 mm supports its growth.

Planting cashew seeds is best done in well-draining seed beds, 30 cm deep, with a 5-10 cm layer of compost. Sow seeds 1-2 cm deep and 5-6 cm apart, covering with a thin layer of soil. Germination occurs within 3-6 weeks, followed by 6-8 weeks of seedling growth before transplanting.

Cashew harvesting is typically done when the fruit is 6-8 months old and turns yellow. The process involves manually detaching the nut from the seed pod, followed by roasting to enhance flavor and texture. Harvesting at the right time ensures optimal nut quality and quantity.

Common pests of cashew include the cashew nut bug, which causes damage to the kernel, and the fruit fly, which attacks the fruit. Diseases affecting cashew include cashew leaf scorch, caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis, and cashew leaf spot, caused by Cercospora beticola, leading to reduced yields and fruit quality.

What are the botanical aspects of Anacardium occidentale ?

Anacardium occidentale is a tropical evergreen tree or shrub that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It has a single stem, sometimes branched, and can grow up to 12 meters in height, with a greyish-brown bark and a rounded crown.

Anacardium occidentale is classified as follows: Kingdom: Plantae, Family: Anacardiaceae, Genus: Anacardium, Species: A. occidentale. The species is further divided into two subspecies, A. o. var. occidentale and A. o. var. minor. The genus Anacardium comprises three species.

Variants of Anacardium occidentale include the dwarf cashew, which is a smaller cultivar, and the sweet cashew, which has a sweeter fruit. Other variants include the 'Kamrupi' and 'Punjab' varieties. These variants have been developed for specific climates and regions.

Anacardium occidentale is native to Brazil and northeastern South America and has been naturalized in parts of Asia and Africa. It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in India, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The plant is adaptable to a wide range of soils and climates.

The life cycle of Anacardium occidentale involves a 3- to 5-year maturation period from seed germination to fruiting. The seeds germinate in 2-3 weeks and grow into saplings, which are pruned to a single stem. The tree produces yellowish-green flowers in clusters, followed by the development of the fruit, which is a double-seeded nut surrounded by a fleshy double seed cover.

What are the historical aspects of Anacardium occidentale ?

Anacardium occidentale is an ancient plant with a long history of use. In ancient India, it was used as a medicine to treat various ailments, including fever and rheumatism. In Africa, it was used as a food source and for its nutritional value.

In the mythological stories of ancient civilizations, the cashew tree is mentioned as a symbol of fertility and abundance. In Hindu mythology, the god Indra is said to have created the cashew tree to bring prosperity to the people. Similarly, in African mythology, the cashew tree is associated with the goddess of fertility, Mami Wata.

The cashew tree has been imbued with various symbolic meanings across different cultures. In India, it is a symbol of good luck and prosperity, while in Africa, it is associated with fertility and abundance. The cashew nut itself is seen as a symbol of wealth and status in some cultures.

Historical texts, such as the ancient Indian medical text "Charaka Samhita", mention the use of cashew as a medicine to treat various ailments. The text describes the properties of cashew and its uses in Ayurvedic medicine. Similarly, the "Materia Medica" by Dioscorides, a Greek physician, mentions the use of cashew in traditional medicine.

Historical artifacts, such as ancient pottery and coins, depict the cashew tree and its fruit. In some African cultures, the cashew tree is depicted in traditional art as a symbol of fertility and abundance. The cashew nut itself has been used as a form of currency in some ancient societies.