The parts of this plant have been traditionally used for various diseases keeping in mind of their traditional value our present study was to explore Anacardium occidentale leaves for its antioxidant and antiulcer potential. The phytochemical screening of the 50% ethanolic leaves extract indicates the presence of triterpenoid, sterols, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and glycoside. Antioxidant activity of the Anacardium occidentale 50% ethanolic leaves extract was measured by DPPH Method (Hydrogen-Donating Activity), Superoxide and Hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging method. Further it was evaluated for its antiulcer activity by pyloric ligation model in wistar albino rats. Gastric volume, pH, ulcer index and free and total acidity were measured in this model. The extract showed maximum scavenging activity i.e. 92.68±0.29 at 250 µg/ml by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl, 89.70±0.018 at 500 µg/ml by superoxide method and 81.04±0.068 at 500 µg/ml by Hydrogen peroxide respectively as compared to the standard (ascorbic acid). In pyloric ligation method, the extract showed optimum percentage inhibition of 84.66% and ulcer index 2.51.3 at 400 mg/kg which was comparable to the standard (ranitidine). The present study concludes that Anacardium occidentale 50% ethanolic leaves extract possesses significant antioxidant and antiulcer activities.

Anacardium occidentale, antioxidant activity, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl, antiulcer activities, ulcer index and percentage protection.