Anacardic Acid C15:2

Anacardic Acid C15:2 (CAS 103904-74-1), also called anacardic acid diene, is a polyunsaturated phenolic lipid with a 15-carbon side chain containing two cis double bonds (typically 8*Z*,11*Z*). It belongs to the anacardic acid family isolated from raw cashew nutshell liquid of Anacardium occidentale.

Unlike the saturated 15:0 analog, the diene is a major bioactive component of unheated CNSL and co-occurs with the monoene and triene. Its amphiphilic salicylic-acid head and diunsaturated tail disrupt microbial membranes, suppress biofilm formation, and contribute to activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Intermediate unsaturation also supports antioxidant capacity and enzyme modulation without the full oxidative lability of the triene.

Analytical laboratories quantify Anacardic Acid 15:2 as a signature marker of authentic, non-decarboxylated cashew phenolics. The ratio of 15:2 to 15:1 and 15:3 distinguishes raw CNSL from technical (heat-processed) material, in which anacardic acids convert to cardanols. That makes the diene essential for extract fingerprinting, stability studies, and specification setting in cosmetics, oral-care actives, and natural preservative research.

The compound is also used as a discrete reference when screening SUMOylation, HAT inhibition, and anti-inflammatory models that depend on side-chain unsaturation.

Planta Analytica supplies high-purity Anacardic Acid C15:2 reference standard to support method development and lot-to-lot control of cashew-derived ingredients.