title: Acute, subacute toxicity and mutagenic effects of anacardic acids from cashew (Anacardium occidentale Linn.) in mice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Anacardium occidentale Linn. (cashew) is a Brazilian plant that is usually consumed in natura and is used in folk medicine. Anacardic acids (AAs) in the cashew nut shell liquid are biologically active as gastroprotectors, inhibitors of the activity of various deleterious enzymes, antitumor agents and antioxidants. Yet, there are no reports of toxicity testing to guarantee their use in vivo models.
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated AAs biosafety by measuring the acute, subacute and mutagenic effects of AAs administration in BALB/c mice. In acute tests, BALB/c mice received a single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg, whereas animals in subacute tests received 300, 600 and 1000 mg/kg for 30 days. Hematological, biochemical and histological analyses were performed in all animals. Mutagenicity was measured with the acute micronucleus test 24h after oral administration of 250 mg/kg AAs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our results showed that the AAs acute minimum lethal dose in BALB/c mice is higher than 2000 mg/kg since this concentration did not produce any symptoms. In subacute tests, females which received the highest doses (600 or 1000 mg/kg) were more susceptible, which was seen by slightly decreased hematocrit and hemoglobin levels coupled with a moderate increase in urea. Anacardic acids did not produce any mutagenic effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The data indicate that doses less than 300 mg/kg did not produce biochemical and hematological alterations in BALB/c mice. Additional studies must be conducted to investigate the pharmacological potential of this natural substance in order to ensure their safe use in vivo.
authors.affiliation: Experimental Atmospheric Pollution Laboratory (LPAE), Department of Pathology, São Paulo Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av Dr Arnaldo 455, Room 1155, 01246-903 São Paulo, SP, Brazil. analauranc@yahoo.com.br
authors.forename: Ana Laura Nicoletti
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Carvalho
authors.forename: Raquel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Annoni
authors.forename: Paula Regina Pereira
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Primavera
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Borelli
authors.forename: Ricardo Ambrósio
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Fock
authors.forename: Maria Teresa Salles
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Trevisan
authors.forename: Thais
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mauad
mesh_terms: D048729:Anacardic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D031021:Anacardium / Q000737:chemistry*; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006400:Hematocrit; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests; D009754:Nuts; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014508:Urea / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D048729:Anacardic Acids; D006454:Hemoglobins; D010936:Plant Extracts; D014508:Urea