Estudos das características físicas e químicas das folhas do cajueiro (Anacardium occidentale) e suas aplicações tecnológicas.

Abstract

The cashew plantation is highly adapted to the soil and climate conditions of the Brazilian territory, which contributes to its cultivation and consequently ranks the country among the largest producers and exporters of its pseudofruit (cashew) and fruit (chestnut). However, during the post­harvest stages a lot is lost, especially with regard to non­commercial parts, as is the case of leaves that end up being considered as waste, thus being discarded. It is then observed the need to expand scientific research regarding the potential of cashew leaves, highlighting their bioactive characteristics and their applicability. This study aimed to carry out a survey regarding the physical and chemical characteristics of the cashew leaf, as well as its technological applications. Thus, an exploratory, bibliographic and qualitative approach was developed through the search for studies in databases using the keywords anti­inflammatory, antidiabetic, antitumor, antioxidant, bactericide, antifungal, technological, application, drug, anticancerigen and that were related to the leaf of that species. Existing studies indicate that the leaves of Anacardium occidentale have considerable concentrations of phenolic compounds, more specifically flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, saponins, alkaloids, coumarins, anthraquinones and essential oils. The presence of these phytoconstituents justifies the bioactive potential of the leaves and the interest in new research in the area with the use of technologies to obtain formulations that can be tested and applied against various pathogenic microorganisms and promoting the best use of cashew leaves.