anacardic acid

Anacardic acid is a natural bioactive phytochemical primarily derived from the shell of the cashew nut (*Anacardium occidentale*). Chemically, it is a salicylic acid derivative with a long aliphatic side chain. It is widely recognized in biochemical research as a potent, non-competitive inhibitor of histone acetyltransferases (HATs), specifically targeting p300 and CREB-binding protein (CBP). By inhibiting HAT activity, anacardic acid modulates epigenetic gene expression, leading to anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in various cancer models, including pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancers. Research has demonstrated that it can activate the ATM-p53 signaling pathway to induce cell cycle arrest. Additionally, anacardic acid exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting NF-κB signaling and possesses antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. While it is not currently an approved pharmaceutical drug, it is studied as a lead compound for oncology and is found in some nutraceutical products.

Other names

2-hydroxy-6-pentadecylbenzoic acid6-pentadecylsalicylic acid6-pentadecyl-2-hydroxybenzoic acid