EVALUATION OF THE BIOACTIVE POTENTIAL OF THE FREEZE DRIED EXTRACT OF THE CASHEW PEEL – Anacardium occidentale L.

Abstract

The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.) is native to Northeast Brazil. It is a vegetable rich in bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, tannins, among others. In which it provides high antioxidant capacity as well as therapeutic benefits. Bioactive compounds are essential compounds that occur in nature, part of the food chain and have positive effects on human health. Lyophilization is the most recommended unit operation, because when using low temperature during the process, it does not degenerate the volatile compounds present in the vegetable matter. In this way, the objective of the present work was to obtain the lyophilized powder of the cashew stem bark (Anacardium occidentale L.), so that chemical analyzes could be carried out in its in natura, dry form, in its concentrated extract and in its own lyophilized powder, evaluating its values ​​of bioactive compounds, as well as the powder yield and its quality. The experimental tests were carried out at the Laboratory of Food Engineering (LEA) and Laboratory of Chemistry and Biomass (LQB/UAEQ). A characterization of the cashew tree shells in natura was carried out, from chemical and physicochemical characteristics, an extract of cashew shell flour, a hydroalcoholic and another concentrated was obtained through the aid of a rotary evaporator. All these processes were characterized physicochemically and in bioactive compounds (flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, tannins, carotenoids and total chlorophylls). Lyophilization of the concentrated extract of cashew peel flour is an effective method for obtaining a powder rich in bioactive compounds, mainly tannins and phenolic compounds. It is possible to conclude that cashew bark is a very rich source of bioactive tannins and phenolic compounds, since after the lyophilization process they were abundant in the obtained matter. Consequently, cashew bark can be used as a source for food, medicinal and other purposes.