Catechin and epicatechin in testa and their association with bioactive compounds in kernels of cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.)

Catechins in testa and bioactive compounds in testa-free and testa-containing kernels of cashew nuts were analysed. The cashew nut testa contained (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin with concentrations of 5.70 and 4.46 g per kg DM. respectively. Testa-containing kernels revealed significantly higher levels of beta-carotene (218 vs. 89.6 mu g/kg DM), lutein (525 vs. 292 mu g/kg DM), and alpha-tocopherol (10.1 vs. 2.4 mg/kg DM), similar amounts of zeaxanthin (7.0 vs. 7.1 mu g/kg DM), gamma-tocopherol (10.6 vs. 10.1 mg/kg DM), stearic acid (41 vs. 43 g/kg DM), oleic acid (214 vs. 219 g/kg DM) and linoleic acid (69 vs. 62 g/kg DM), but a lower concentration of thiamine (3.0 vs. 10.7 mg/kg DM) in comparison to testa-free samples. The testa-containing kernels provide high amounts of catechins and higher concentrations of beta-carotene, lutein and alpha-tocopherol than do testa-free cashew nut kernels. This could have potential health benefits for consumers. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.