Evaluation of the Antidiabetic Effects of Cashew Plant (Anacardium occidentale) on Alloxan-Induced Wistar Albino Diabetic Rats

Abstract

According to the World Health Organisation, over 537 million adults currently live with diabetes. Despite the availability of pharmacological treatments such as insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents, these options often come with significant drawbacks. As a result, there is increasing interest in plant-based alternatives that are safe, effective, and affordable. This study evaluated the antidiabetic effects of Anacardium occidentale (cashew) leaf and bark extracts, along with their solvent fractions, in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Fresh plant materials were collected, authenticated, and extracted using methanol, followed by solvent fractionation into n-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and aqueous fractions. Twenty-five male rats were divided into treatment and control groups, with diabetes induced by alloxan (150 mg/kg). Treatments included 600 mg/kg leaf or bark extracts, 300 mg/kg metformin, or respective fractions, administered orally for 21 days. The study followed a randomised controlled experimental design. Result values are expressed as mean±standard deviation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for comparison. A Graph Pad Prism 7.0 in-class number of five (n=5) was used to carry out the process. Phytochemical screening revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenes, and phenols, with saponins detected only in the leaf. The ethyl acetate fraction had the highest yield and polyphenolic content. Diabetic rats exhibited significant hyperglycemia, weight loss, dyslipidemia, hepatic and renal impairment, electrolyte imbalance, and altered haematological parameters. Treatment with extracts, particularly the ethyl acetate fraction, resulted in significant (p < 0.05) reductions in fasting blood glucose, improvements in body weight, lipid profile, liver and kidney function, and normalisation of haematological indices. The ethyl acetate fraction produced the most pronounced antidiabetic effect, likely due to its higher concentration of bioactive constituents. These findings support the traditional use of A. occidentale in diabetes management and suggest its potential as a natural, affordable alternative or adjunct to conventional therapy. Further studies, including clinical trials and bioactive compound isolation, are recommended to validate efficacy and safety in humans.