Anacardic acid (phenolic lipid) determination

Anacardic acid is a phenolic lipid naturally present in the shell of the cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale). This bioactive compound belongs to a family of substituted salicylic acid derivatives, characterized by an unsaturated alkyl chain.
It is recognized for its antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and sometimes antitumor properties, making it an ingredient of interest in the nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmacognosy sectors.

Anacardic acid is also used as a chemical marker in assessing the quality of extracts from cashew biomass. Its measurement is therefore essential for purity control, standardization of plant extracts, and validation of bioactive formulations.

Advantages of analytical measurement

Anacardic acid measurement is essential in various industrial and scientific contexts:

• Quality control of plant extracts from cashew nut shells.
• Evaluation of the antioxidant or antibacterial potential of natural ingredients.
• Compliance control of cosmetic or nutraceutical products based on cashew extracts.
• Stability and degradation studies of polyphenol-rich formulations.
• Research on bioactive compounds with pharmacological applications.

This dosage applies equally to oils, hydroalcoholic extracts or dry matrices, as well as to ready-to-use formulations (creams, capsules, powders).

Analytical methods used

At YesWeLab, the determination of anacardic acid is carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS or LC-MS/MS).

HPLC-DAD
Diode-Array Liquid Chromatography allows for the separation and quantification of different forms of anacardic acids with high precision. This technique is suitable for batch control or the standardization of crude extracts.

LC-MS / LC-MS-MS:
Chromatography-mass spectrometry coupling offers increased sensitivity and optimal molecular specificity. This method allows the simultaneous detection of several anacardic acid homologs (C15:1, C15:2, C15:3, etc.) even at very low concentrations. It is preferred for regulatory analyses, the detailed characterization of natural ingredients, or the verification of the conformity of complex formulations.

These methods comply with the requirements of ISO 17025, guaranteeing complete traceability and analytical precision adapted to the needs of the food and cosmetics industries.

Industrial and scientific applications

Nutraceutical:
Anacardic acid is valued for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in dietary supplement formulations. Its measurement allows for the quantification of active ingredients in standardized cashew extracts, used particularly in natural health products and supplements targeting the immune system or anti-aging.

cosmetics
industry, anacardic acid is studied for its effects on sebum regulation, skin protection, and its ability to combat pathogenic microorganisms. Precise dosage ensures the quality of natural ingredients incorporated into creams, oils, or serums, while also guaranteeing compliance with European cosmetic regulations.

Phytotherapy and Pharmacognosy:
Monitoring the chemical profile of cashew nut extracts or their derivatives allows for the evaluation of their biological activity and safety. Researchers use this analysis to isolate, identify, and characterize the different forms of anacardic acids according to their degree of unsaturation.

Affected matrices

• Cashew nut shell extracts
• Vegetable oils and cosmetic ingredients
• Standardized powders and extracts
• Nutraceutical products and oil-based formulations
• Active ingredients derived from plant biomass

Recommended Related Analyses

For a complete analytical profile of plant bioactive compounds, YesWeLab recommends combining the following:
Total polyphenol analysis – to assess overall antioxidant activity.
Gallic acid analysis – another reference phenolic marker.
Catechin analysis – to complete the flavonoid profile of the extracts.

Why choose YesWeLab?

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited laboratories specializing in the characterization of bioactive and phenolic compounds derived from plants.
Our team supports stakeholders in the nutraceutical, cosmetic, and research sectors by offering analytical methods tailored to their specific matrices and needs.
Thanks to our digital platform, managing analyses is simple, fast, and secure: online request, sample tracking, results receipt, and automated archiving.