ABSTRACT
The abstract focuses on the investigation of the potential antimicrobial properties of cashew nut shell oil (CNSO), derived from the tropical evergreen Anacardium occidentale L. tree, against various microbial pathogens. The study delves into the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial effects, modes of action, and pharmacokinetics of CNSO. The oil was extracted from cashew nut shells using different solvents (methanol, n-hexane, and petroleum ether) through a soxhlet apparatus. The antimicrobial activity was assessed using agar well diffusion tests against bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as fungi including Tricophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis, Mucor pusillus, Penicilium species, and Alternaria species. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using serial dilution methods.
The CNSO’s phytochemical composition was analyzed through Phytochemical and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometer methods. The study also explored the pharmacokinetics of the CNSO by evaluating its rate of bacterial eradication. The mechanisms of CNSO’s action were investigated by assessing the leakage of cellular materials and proteins from bacterial cells. The results indicated that petroleum ether yielded the highest oil volume during extraction, suggesting its suitability as a solvent. Among the extracts, methanol extract demonstrated the highest antimicrobial activity against both bacteria and fungi, followed by n-hexane and petroleum ether extracts. The most significant inhibitory effect was observed against Staphylococcus aureus.
The study revealed that the methanol CNSO extract exhibited bactericidal activity against S. aureus and S. pyogenes. The extract’s impact on S. aureus and E. coli led to complete elimination within five hours, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa and S. pyogenes remained viable. The release of cellular materials and proteins was most pronounced in S. aureus, followed by E. coli, S. pyogenes, and P. aeruginosa. The analysis of CNSO extracts identified the presence of compounds like saponin, flavonoid, tannin, phenol, reducing sugar, alkaloid, steroid, phlobotannins, and terpenoid. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometer analysis highlighted 27 peaks in the CNSO extract, with the most abundant compound being 3-(pentadec-8-en-1-yl) phenol and the least being M-cresyl acetate. This phenol derivative likely contributes to the oil’s antimicrobial activity. The mode of action of CNSO involves inducing membrane damage, resulting in the leakage of intracellular components and eventual pathogen death.
In conclusion, cashew nut shell oil possesses antimicrobial properties attributed to its ability to disrupt cell membranes. These findings suggest its potential application in the development of novel antibiotic drugs.
PHYTOCHEMICALS AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF CASHEW NUT SHELL OIL AGAINST MICROBIAL PATHOGEN, GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
