PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF LEAVES AND STEM OF CASHEW TREE (Anacardium occidentate)

Phytochemical screening was performed on leaves and stem of Anacadium occidentate obtained in Akure between May and June, 2008. To analyse for the bioactive compounds, 10g of each sample was dried in an oven, ground, extracted in distilled water and ethanol respectively, and filtered. The filtrates were stored in air - tight containers prior to analyses. The screening revealed the presence of carbohydrate, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids and saponins either in High (+++), moderate (++) and low (+) concentrations. Phlobatannins was absent. These results compared with literature values. Indications form the results depicted usefulness of the cashew parts in the treatment of some common diseases. Cashew tree should be harnessed for its potentials.