Anacardic acids are phenolic lipids, chemical compounds found in the shell of the cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale).

[3] The side chain with three unsaturated bonds was the most active against Streptococcus mutans, the tooth decay bacterium, in test tube experiments.

[8] Anacardic acid is the main component of cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL), and finds use in the chemical industry for the production of cardanol, which is used for resins, coatings, and frictional materials.

[citation needed] Anacardic acid is synergistic with anethole from the seed of anise (Umbelliferae) and linalool from green tea in vitro [Muroi & Kubo, p1782].

[Kubo et al., 1993] Inhibition of lysine acetyltransferase by anacardic acid was shown to make cancer cells using alternative lengthening of telomeres more sensitive to radiation.