n-Hexane extract of Anacardium occidentale ameliorates spatial memory impairment, anxiety, and depressive-like behavior through the suppression of gut-brain inflammation and cholinergic disruption in acetic acid-induced experimental colitis

What To Know

This preclinical study (rat model) tested an n‑hexane extract of Anacardium occidentale (cashew kernel) for effects on colitis-induced anxiety, depression-like behavior, and cognition.

Rats received intracolonic acetic acid to induce colitis, then oral HEAO at multiple doses or prednisolone; behavioral tests (EPM, FST, Y‑maze) and tissue biochemical and histological analyses were performed.

The authors report that HEAO improved behavioral measures, reduced markers of oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines, modulated acetylcholinesterase activity, and preserved neuronal and enterocyte histology. The study is an animal (preclinical) experiment reported as an abstract on Research Square.

It suggests anti‑inflammatory, antioxidant, and cholinergic‑modulating effects of the extract in this model, but it does not provide evidence that the extract is safe or effective in humans with IBD. Clinical relevance is therefore speculative.

If you are curious about botanical or complementary approaches, discuss them with your clinician before considering any use; animal studies do not establish human benefit or dosing, and extracts can vary widely.