Anacardium
Semecarpus
Nuts
Medicine, Ayurvedic
Sudden exposure to solar UV-B radiation reduces net CO(2) uptake and photosystem I efficiency in shade-acclimated tropical tree seedlings. (1/18)
Tree seedlings developing in the understory of the tropical forest have to endure short periods of high-light stress when tree-fall gaps are formed, and direct solar radiation, including substantial UV light, reaches the leaves. In experiments simulating the opening of a tree-fall gap, the response of photosynthesis in leaves of shade-acclimated seedlings (Anacardium excelsum, Virola surinamensis, and Calophyllum longifolium) to exposure to direct sunlight (for 20-50 min) was investigated in Panama (9 degrees N). To assess the effects of solar UV-B radiation (280-320 nm), the sunlight was filtered through plastic films that selectively absorbed UV-B or transmitted the complete spectrum. The results document a strong inhibition of CO(2) assimilation by sun exposure. Light-limited and light-saturated rates of photosynthetic CO(2) uptake by the leaves were affected, which apparently occurred independently of a simultaneous inhibition of potential photosystem (PS) II efficiency. The ambient UV-B light substantially contributed to these effects. The photochemical capacity of PSI, measured as absorbance change at 810 nm in saturating far-red light, was not significantly affected by sun exposure of the seedlings. However, a decrease in the efficiency of P700 photooxidation by far-red light was observed, which was strongly promoted by solar UV-B radiation. The decrease in PSI efficiency may result from enhanced charge recombination in the reaction center, which might represent an incipient inactivation of PSI, but contributes to thermal dissipation of excessive light energy and thereby to photoprotection. (+info)Small molecule modulators of histone acetyltransferase p300. (2/18)
Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) are a group of enzymes that play a significant role in the regulation of gene expression. These enzymes covalently modify the N-terminal lysine residues of histones by the addition of acetyl groups from acetyl-CoA. Dysfunction of these enzymes is often associated with the manifestation of several diseases, predominantly cancer. Here we report that anacardic acid from cashew nut shell liquid is a potent inhibitor of p300 and p300/CBP-associated factor histone acetyltranferase activities. Although it does not affect DNA transcription, HAT-dependent transcription from a chromatin template was strongly inhibited by anacardic acid. Furthermore, we describe the design and synthesis of an amide derivative N-(4-chloro-3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-6-pentadecyl-benzamide (CTPB) using anacardic acid as a synthon, which remarkably activates p300 HAT activity but not that of p300/CBP-associated factor. Although CTPB does not affect DNA transcription, it enhances the p300 HAT-dependent transcriptional activation from in vitro assembled chromatin template. However, it has no effect on histone deacetylase activity. These compounds would be useful as biological switching molecules for probing into the role of p300 in transcriptional studies and may also be useful as new chemical entities for the development of anticancer drugs. (+info)Cashew nut allergy is associated with a high risk of anaphylaxis. (3/18)
Cashew allergy is an evolving clinical problem. A retrospective chart review of 213 children with peanut or tree nut allergy was undertaken over a 42 month period. Anaphylaxis to cashew nut was more common than to peanut (74.1% v 30.5%). Children with cashew allergy are at risk of anaphylaxis. (+info)Fixed food eruption caused by cashew nut. (4/18)
(+info)Effects of immature cashew nut-shell liquid (Anacardium occidentale) against oxidative damage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity. (5/18)
The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) represents one of the major cheapest sources of non-isoprenoid phenolic lipids, which have a variety of biological properties: they can act as molluscicides, insecticides, fungicides, have anti-termite properties, have medicinal applications, and demonstrate antioxidant activity in vitro. Immature cashew nut-shell liquid (iCNSL) is a unique natural source of unsaturated long-chain phenols. Their use has stimulated much research in order to prepare drug analogues for application in several fields. The objective of the present study was to determine whether iCNSL has antioxidant properties when used in strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and to measure the inhibitory activity of acetylcholinesterase. The constituents were identified using thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and (1)H and (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance. The iCNSL contains anacardic acid, cardanol, cardol, and 2-methyl cardol. Immature cashew nut oil contains triacylglycerols, fatty acids, alkyl-substituted phenols, and cholesterol. The main constituents of the free fatty acids are palmitic (C(16:0)) and oleic acid (C(18:1)). iCNSL has excellent protective activities in strains of S. cerevisiae against oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide and inhibits acetylcholinesterase activity. iCNSL may have an important role in protecting DNA against damage induced by reactive oxygen species, as well as hydrogen peroxide, generated by intra- and extracellular mechanisms. (+info)Clinical features of four cases with cashew nut allergy and cross-reactivity between cashew nut and pistachio. (6/18)
(+info)Termite usage associated with antibiotic therapy: enhancement of aminoglycoside antibiotic activity by natural products of Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky 1855). (7/18)
(+info)Oviposition activity of Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) in response to different organic infusions. (8/18)
(+info)'Anacardium' is the medical term for a genus of trees and shrubs that belong to the family Anacardiaceae. The most well-known species in this genus is Anacardium occidentale, which is commonly known as the cashew nut tree.
The cashew nut grows outside of a fruit called the cashew apple, which is also edible and has various uses in different cultures. The tree's bark, leaves, and sap have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including skin diseases, diarrhea, and fever. However, it's important to note that some parts of the cashew tree, particularly the raw nuts and the sap, contain a caustic resin called urushiol, which can cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Anacardium occidentale is also commercially important as a source of cashew nuts, cashew apple juice, and cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), which has various industrial applications.
"Semecarpus" is a botanical term that refers to a genus of trees in the family Anacardiaceae. While it is not a medical term, some species of Semecarpus have been used in traditional medicine in various parts of the world. For instance, Semecarpus anacardium, also known as "marking nut tree," has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for its alleged anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. However, it's important to note that the scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited, and further research is needed to establish their safety and efficacy.
Therefore, a medical definition of 'Semecarpus' would be "a genus of trees in the family Anacardiaceae, some of which have been used in traditional medicine."
In a medical context, "nuts" are typically referred to as a type of food that comes from dry fruits with one seed in them. They are often high in healthy fats, fiber, protein, and various essential nutrients. Examples include almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews, pistachios, and pecans. However, it's important to note that some people may have allergies to certain types of nuts, which can cause serious health problems.
Ayurvedic medicine, also known as Ayurveda, is a traditional system of medicine that has been practiced in India for thousands of years. It is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. The goal of Ayurvedic medicine is to promote good health, rather than fight disease.
In Ayurveda, each person has a unique constitution, or dosha, that is determined by the balance of three energies: Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth). These doshas are believed to govern all physical and mental processes and to be responsible for an individual's physical and mental health.
Ayurvedic treatments may include herbal remedies, special diets, detoxification programs, meditation, yoga, and massage therapy. The aim of Ayurvedic medicine is to cleanse the body of toxins, balance the doshas, and promote good health and well-being.
It's important to note that while some people find Ayurvedic practices helpful for maintaining their overall health, there is limited scientific evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of many Ayurvedic treatments. Additionally, some Ayurvedic products may contain harmful levels of heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, which can be toxic if ingested or absorbed through the skin. It's important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen, including Ayurvedic medicine.
A plant extract is a preparation containing chemical constituents that have been extracted from a plant using a solvent. The resulting extract may contain a single compound or a mixture of several compounds, depending on the extraction process and the specific plant material used. These extracts are often used in various industries including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and food and beverage, due to their potential therapeutic or beneficial properties. The composition of plant extracts can vary widely, and it is important to ensure their quality, safety, and efficacy before use in any application.