Let us find more exciting facts about cashew nuts. As for the nutritional composition, cashew nuts are rich in tocopherols, phytosterols, phenolic lipids and several bioactive compounds, all of which have several benefits on human health. The W-180 variety is known as the “king of cashewsâ€. There are 33 varieties of cashew nuts identified, out of which only 26 varieties are marketed. A single-seeded nut in a hard grey shell grows at the bottom of the cashew apple (a soft and juicy fruit). ![]() The Portuguese introduced cashew nuts in India and Africa in the 16th century. Cashew nuts grow on evergreen trees, native to Brazil, which later expanded to South American countries. It is a popular ingredient in various Indian dishes and dairy alternatives like cream and cashew milk. The scientific name of cashew nuts is Anacardium occidentale L., which belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. Potential Uses of cashew nuts for Overall Health:Ĭashew nuts or Kaju are technically not nuts but seeds. ![]() This could be due to the inhibitory action of anacardic acid on clotting factors.įurther studies are needed to know more about the clinical spectrum of CNSL poisoning. Our patient also had elevated prothrombin and partial thromboplastin time on day 1. The bilirubin levels and liver enzymes were mildly elevated from day 1. Perianal skin excoriation is due to ingested antigens that remain sufficiently intact within the feces to affect perianal skin. Anacardic acid is closely related to urushiol, which causes contact dermatitis. Hyperpigmented skin lesions over the abdomen and breast were due to anacardic acid induced contact dermatitis. In spite of consuming large amounts of CNSL, the symptoms resolved in few days. Our patient had symptoms of corrosive ingestion from day 1. Symptoms of phenol poisoning develop rapidly and include nausea, vomiting, lethargy or coma, hypotension, tachycardia or bradycardia, dysrhythmias, seizures, acidosis, hemolysis, methemoglobinemia, and shock.ĬNSL is slightly acidic (pH - 6.8). ![]() Anacardic acid is a derivative of salicylic acid.Įven though the compounds have phenolic structure, the clinical presentation of our patient was different from phenol poisoning. Anacardic acid (80.9%) is a major constituent followed by Cardol (10–15%) and small amounts of methyl derivatives of cardiol. Natural CNSL contains mixture of various alkylated phenols. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was normal.Ĭontact dermatitis (hyperpigmented skin lesions) due to cashew nut shell liquid spillage over abdomen From day 5, her general condition improved. However, she became more tachypneic and was intubated on day 3. She was started on inotropes, antibiotics, and supplemental oxygen. Chest X-ray showed bilateral lung shadows suggestive of chemical pneumonitis. On day 2, she developed fever, tachypnea, dysphagia, tachycardia, and hypotension. She had also developed perianal skin excoriations. She had linear hyperpigmented lesions in the breast and anterior abdominal wall which corresponded to spillage of CNSL during intake. The urine and stool had the smell of CNSL. After few hours, she complained of burning sensation in throat, epigastrium, and perianal region. She was given fresh frozen plasma, bicarbonate, proton pump inhibitors, steroids, and N-acetyl cysteine. ![]() Arterial blood gas (ABG) showed metabolic acidosis (pH - 7.25, PCO 2 - 21, PO 2 - 141, and HCO 3 - 10). Blood investigations were normal except for TLC - 29,000, elevated liver function tests (LFTs) (total bilirubin - 2.8, direct - 1.4, indirect - 1.4, SGOT - 172, SGPT - 104, and ALP - 119), and abnormal coagulation tests (INR - 2.02, PTT 38.5). On arrival, she was conscious, oriented, and hemodynamically stable. We report here a case of self-ingestion of termiticide containing CNSL.Ī 23-year-old woman was brought to our hospital with H/o intake of 500 ml of PILOT wood preservative (CNSL). It is a reddish brown viscous liquid found in the pericarp of the cashew nut ( Anacardium occidentale). Termiticide from natural sources such as cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) is less toxic. Wood preservatives such as chlorinated products, boric acid, and arsenic compounds pose negative environmental threat. Termites are the major wood-destroying pests.
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