Effectiveness of Guava (Psidium Guajava) leaf
extract as an
Alternative Surface Disinfectant
Chapter 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction
Guava is the common name for any of the various tropical shrubs and
small trees comprising the New World genus Psidium of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae),
characterized by tough, dark, opposite leaves and an edible fruit. The term guava also
is used for the fruit, which is a true berry. The name guava particularly is associated
with the commercially important common or apple guava, Psidium guajava, which is
grown for its sweet, juicy fruit. The cattley guava, Psidium littorale (syn. P. cattleianum)
is another well-known species, with two notable varieties: the red-fruited strawberry
guava, and the yellow-fruited lemon guava. There are about 100 species of guava, with
the plants native to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and northern South
America, but now cultivated in the parts of the United States and other tropical areas.
The name is drawn from the Arawak via Spanish guayaba. The guava fruit, which is so
important for the reproduction of the plants, also serves as a nutritious and flavorful food
for people as well as for various birds and mammals (who also act as dispersal agents
for the seeds). In folk medicine, guava leaves have been used for treating ailments
ranging from cancer to inflammation and diabetes. The plant itself is used for
ornamental purposes. We need to study this research because we want to know if we
can use the extract of Psidium Guajava for surface disinfectant, the importance of this
research is for the people who cannot afford expensive products instead of using
expensive product they can use natural resources as disinfectant so they can save
money. As future Medical Technology student in our young age we want to discover
new things that can help other people in their everyday life. Since the 1950s, guava,
particularly its leaves, has been the subject of diverse research initiatives to map the
chemical identity of its constituents, pharmacological properties, and history in folk
medicine (Gutiérrez et al. 2008). From preliminary medical research in laboratory
settings, extracts from guava leaves or bark are implicated in possible therapeutic
mechanisms against cancer, bacterial infections, inflammation, and pain (Chen et al.
2007: Mahfuzul et al. 2007; Ojewole 2006). Essential oils from guava leaves have
shown strong anti-cancer activity in vitro (Manosroi et al. 2006). Guava leaves are used
as a remedy for diarrhea (Kaljee et al. 2004), and for their supposed antimicrobial
properties. The same anti-diarrheal substances useful in folk medicine may also cause
constipation when large amounts of guava fruits are consumed. Guava leaves or bark
have been used traditionally to treat diabetes (Mukhtar et al. 2006; Oh et al. 2005).
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