Chemical Characterization of Colorants Isolated from the Fruit Juice of Anacardium occidentale (Cashew)

This study focuses on isolating and characterizing colorant from Anacardium occidentale (Cashew) fruit juice. The juice was concentrated and fractionated into n-hexane (NH), methanol/dichloromethane (MeOH/DCM), methanol/ethyl acetate (MeOH/EA) fractions, and a residue. Phytochemical analysis and GC-MS were used to identify bioactive compounds, and the residue was further fractionated into 12 sub-fractions (AORF1–AORF12) and analysed with FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopic methods. Phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, and terpenoids were present in the MeOH/DCM, MeOH/EA fractions, and residue, with tannins and saponins found only in the residue. Key bioactive compounds, including co-pigments, were identified. The pigments interacted with cellulosic materials, suggesting their role in fabric staining. The study reveals the potential of Cashew fruit juice as a natural pigment source, with possible applications in textile dyeing. Further research is recommended to explore the full scope of A. occidentale pigments for industrial applications, including optimization of extraction methods and more in-depth studies on their use as natural dyes in various materials. Additionally, investigating the eco-friendly and sustainable aspects of these pigments in comparison to synthetic dyes is encouraged.