Cashew Leaf Extract Test (Annacardium occidentale L.) As an Invivo Anti-Cholesterol Agent

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to assess the potential of cashew leaf extract (Anacardium occidentale L.) as an anticholesterol agent in vivo using mouse test animals (Mus musculus). Extraction was carried out using a maceration technique with 70% ethanol solvent, then the extraction results were concentrated using a rotary evaporator so that a thick extract with a yield of 9.21% (16.05 g from 1000 g simplisia) was obtained. Fifteen mice were used and grouped into five parts (three heads each), consisting of a negative control group (NaCMC 0.5%) and a positive control group (atorvastatin), and three treatment groups were given extracts with dose variations of 150mg, 250mg and 350mg per kilogram of body weight. The test animals were first given high-fat feed for seven days, then received treatment according to their group for the next seven days. Total cholesterol levels were measured using a daily cholesterol measuring device, data were statistically analyzed using the one One-Way ANOVA test with a significance level of 0.05. Results: showed that cashew leaf extract was shown to significantly lower cholesterol levels in the medium and high-dose treatment groups. The average cholesterol level after each treatment was: negative control 170.40 mg/dL; positive control 103.20 mg/dL; extract 150 mg/kg 114.20 mg/dL; 250 mg/kg 108.00 mg/dL; and 350 mg/kg 103.80 mg/dL. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the negative control group and the group that received the extract treatment at high doses. Conclusion: cashew leaf extract has the potential to be a cholesterol-lowering agent in vivo, at a dose of 350mg per kilogram of body weight shows the best effectiveness. It is recommended that further research evaluate the working mechanism and test for chronic toxicity.