Identification and quantification of bioactive compounds in cashew pseudofruit and its by-products

Bioactive compounds of the wastage (pulp, bagasse, and liquid extract of the pseudofruit testa) of cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) were characterized using advanced analytical techniques, including HPLC-DAD and HPLC-QTOF. Anacardic acid, primarily found in cashews, reached 719 mg*g^-1, 826 mg*g^-1, and 80 mg*g^-1, in pulp, bagasse, and liquid extract of the testa, respectively. Nine organic acids, four phenolic acids (gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, quercetin), and four tannins were also identified in such parts, and amino acids in the pulp (particularly 159 mg*100 g^-1 of histidine). Thermal extraction of liquid shell reduced the concentration of predominant anacardic acid. Cardols/cardanols, detected for the first time in cashew nut shells, were absent in pulp and other by-products. The compounds detected, particularly anacardic acids, support the utilization of these by-products to formulate nectars and spreadable products.