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Researchers at University of Tsukuba discovered that extracts from cashew pseudofruit pulp (apple) and shell inhibit lipid accumulation and adipogenesis by downregulating the transcription factors involved in adipocyte differentiation.

Tsukuba, Japan—Obesity is a significant risk factor for various metabolic diseases and, in many cases, causes ectopic fat accumulation (i.e., the accumulation of fat around organs where it should not be), inflammation, and insulin resistance, resulting in the dysfunction of white adipose tissues (cells that store excess energy as fat) and excessive fat formation. Over the years, there has been a continuous increase in the global production and consumption of cashew nuts; however, their byproducts (such as pulp and shells) are not effectively utilized. Several studies reported that the pulp and shell of cashew nuts effectively reduce fat weight in human and animal models; however, the direct effects on adipocyte differentiation were still unknown.

In this study, the researchers investigated the biological effects of the pulp and shells of cashew nuts on adipocyte differentiation by evaluating the gene expression and protein levels of adipogenic transcription factors and adipocyte markers. The results show that the extract of cashew nut pulp reduces lipid accumulation in adipocytes and that of the nutshells significantly inhibits adipocyte differentiation. These findings suggest that the functional components of cashew nut byproducts are promising food and drug ingredients for preventing metabolic complications and maintaining good health.

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This research was funded by Biotechnical Create Co. Ltd, Tokyo, Japan.

Original Paper

Title of original paper:

Inhibitory effects of cashew Anacardium occidentale L. kernel, apple, and shell extracts on lipid accumulation and adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Journal:

Scientific Reports

DOI:

10.1038/s41598-025-85727-3

Correspondence

Professor ISODA Hiroko
Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba

KAKUI Osamu
Director, Biotechnical Create Co. Ltd

Related Link

Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences