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A review on medicinal properties of Psidium guajava

Article · August 2018

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 Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies 2018; 6(4): 44-47

ISSN (E): 2320-3862

ISSN (P): 2394-0530 A review on medicinal properties of Psidium
NAAS Rating: 3.53
JMPS 2018; 6(4): 44-47
© 2018 JMPS
guajava
Received: 10-05-2018
Accepted: 11-06-2018
Arjun Kafle, Sushree Sangita Mohapatra, Indrapal Reddy and Manju
Arjun Kafle Chapagain
Veterinray Officer, Sri Anantha
Padmanabha Swamy Pharma
Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad, Telangana, Abstract
India Nature has endowed Guava with many nutritional and medicinal properties. The fruits are 4-12 cm long
with round or oval shape depending on the species (red, strawberry, and off-white). The tree, which
Sushree Sangita Mohapatra belongs to the family, Myrtaceae is chiefly grown in countries with tropical and subtropical climate. The
Teaching Assistant, Department pink variety of guava (when dissected) has the maximum medicinal values. Fruits as well as leaves has
of Veterinary Pharmacology and many health benefits viz, antidiarrhoeal, antihypertensive, antilipedemic, anticancer etc.
Toxicology, College of Veterinary
Science, Proddatur, Andra Keywords: Medicinal properties of Psidium guajava
Pradesh, India

Indrapal Reddy 1. Introduction

Phd, Jawaharlal Nehru Nature has blessed Guava or Psidium guajava with many essential nutrients. Historically,
Technological University, Guava is said to be cultivated in South Africa for commercial purpose and has been brought to
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
country India by the Portuguese. As a fruit, Guava is very common in Asian countries but
Manju Chapagain occupies a greater space in western countries mainly because of its medicinal properties. It is a
Lecturer, Asian Institute of small tree belonging to family Myrtaceae [2]. The tree can be cultivated in any soil provided
Nursing Education, Guwahati, the climate is tropical or subtropical. India is the largest producer of Guava as on date followed
Assam, India by neighbouring country China [1]. Guava fruits are usually 4 to 12 centimetres (1.6 to 4.7 in)
long, round or oval depending on the species. The fruit is basically green in colour which turns
to yellow once it is ripened. The most commonly available guava in the market is apple guava
[3]
. Table no.1 shows the botanical classification of Psidium guajava.

Table 1
Botanical classification
Kingdom Plantae - Plants
Subkingdom Tracheobionta Vascular plants
Superdivision Spermatophyta Seed plants
Division Magnoliophyta Flower plants
Class Magnoliopsida Dicotyledonous
Subclass Rosidae
Order Myrtales
Family Myrtaceae
Subfamily Myrtoideae
Tribe Myrteae
Gender Psidium
Species Psidium guajava
Source: https://www.botanical-online.com/english/guava_characteristics.htm

Apart from the fruit, guava leaves posses potential health benefits as well, some of which are;
it help in preventing cancer, regulating blood pressure, treating diarrhoea, solving bowel
problems to mention a few. It also helps in loosing weight, improves tonicity of skins, treats
Correspondence cough and cold, constipation, dysentery, and scurvy [4]. The common types of guava around
Arjun Kafle the world includes apple guava, cherry guava, and strawberry guava. Mostly eaten raw in the
Veterinray Officer, Sri Anantha ripened or semi-ripened form or consumes in the form of juices. This popular fruit is a factory
Padmanabha Swamy Pharma of nutrients which can be very well depicted from table number 1. This review describes
Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad, Telangana,
potential health benefits of Guava and its leaves
India
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Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies
Table 2 breath can also be controlled with guava leaves owing to
Nutritional Value Per 100 G Of Guava Fruit folate content in the latter. Guava thus forms an excellent
Energy 285 kJ (68 kcal) remedy for treating problems associated with oral cavity.
Carbohydrates 14.32 g
Sugars 8.92 g Antidiabetic
Dietary fiber 5.4 g In China, guava leaves are peeled and taken in empty
Fat 0.95 g stomach against diabetes. A study was conducted by
Protein 2.55 g Medicinal Research Laboratory, Allahabad on mice which
Vitamin A equiv. 31 μg proved that guava fruits and leaves have the power to lower
beta-Carotene 374 μg blood sugar levels; when the fruit was taken without skin11.
Thiamine (B1) 0.067 mg Several authors have studied the inhibition of intestinal
Riboflavin (B2) 0.04 mg glycosidases by the effects of Psidium guajava leaves related
Niacin (B3) 1.084 mg to postprandial hyperglycemia, suggesting a breakthrough in
Pantothenic acid 0.451 mg the treatment of Diabetes (type II). Furthermore, the high
Vitamin B6 0.11 mg fiber in guava slows down the absorption of glucose from the
Folate (B9) 49 μg
gut which thereby prevents the brisk rise in blood sugar level
Vitamin C 228.3 mg
right after a meal. In one experiment, people drank guava tea
Vitamin K 2.2 μg
Iron 0.26 mg
after eating white rices; had far less blood glucose rise than
Magnesium 22 mg people who drank plain water as a control [12]. In addition,
Manganese 0.15 mg Guava (both fruit and leaves) seems to lower fasting sugars as
Phosphorus 40 mg well. Based on a study, people with Type 2 diabetes, those
Potassium 417 mg who drank guava leaf decoction with every meal for 3 months
Sodium 2 mg had lower fasting blood glucose levels than before experiment
[13]
Zinc 0.23 mg .
Lycopene 5204 µg
Source: www.wikipedia.com Guava for Cold and Cough
Guava leaves have been found to be effective in curing cold
Laxatives and cough. Guava is rich source ascorbic acid and iron by
Guava, both fruits and leaves contain sufficient amount of virtue of which it reduces lungs congestion & mucous
dietary fiber that forms the base for the treatment of formation and at the same time keeps the respiratory tract free
constipation. Newer tender leaves are particularly rich in fiber of any unfriendly pathogen. Reports claimed that these
and roughage which is crucial for the prevention and components in Guava act like a miracle in curing influenza14.
treatment of constipation and hemorrhoids. It has been said Fruit particularly the raw ones or decoction made from tender
that, 100 gram of guava fruit contains as much as 36 g of immature leaves is quite helpful in relieving cold and cough.
dietary fibres [5]. Apart, Guava seeds are powerful laxatives It works by the disintegration of mucus polymers thereby
also and help in chronic constipation and cleansing the bowel. loosening cough and reducing further mucus production, keep
The fruit is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber and the respiratory tract, throat, and lungs free of microbes and
Vitamin C which in comparison to other fruits is quite high inhibits existing microbial activity due to its astringent
and just 1 guava fulfills about 12% of daily recommended properties. Vitamin C is present in good concentration in
intake of fiber, which makes it extremely beneficial for Guava which has been found to be very effective in treating
keeping digestive health at ease [6]. cold and cough associated with bacteria or virus. Roasted ripe
guava is used as a home remedy against extreme cases of
Problems Associated With Oral Cavity cough and cold and congestion in many villages of India.
Dental plaques is the main cause of periodonitis as plaques Another report suggested that Hydro extract of Psidium
when left unattained without any care ultimately leads to guajava leaves significantly lowered the coughing frequency
gingivitis and periodonitis6. Some of the common pathogen which was induced by capsaicin aerosol compared to the
responsible for periodonitis are Aggregatibacter actinomyce control, within 15 min after administration of the extract [15].
temcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium
nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia [7]. Guava contains good Antibacterial
concentration of quercetin which has been shown to exhibit Guava extracts exhibit antibacterial activity against both
incredible antibacterial activity against such pathogens. The Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In vitro
possible mechanism of Quercetin in periodonitis could be due evaluation of the effects of aqueous mixture and water-soluble
to cell membrane disruption and inactivation of crucial methanol extract from guava leaves and bark against
protein by forming irreversible complexes with the protein in multidrug-resistant Vibrio cholera and found to possess
susceptible microbes [8]. Guava extract without disturbing the strong antibacterial activity [16]. They concluded that this plant
oral cavity homeostatis acts against oral plagues. It also offers the potential for controlling epidemics of cholera. For
prevents adherence of bacteria to the oral cavity thus treatment of infections in children’s, villagers generally avoid
discouraging further development of plague as well [9]. The market medicines and prefer natural remedies like guava
second most common problem associated with buccal cavity leaves (young and tender ones) to be chewed and swallowed.
is bleeding from gums (scurvy). Vitamin C content in guava Guava extract has been shown to be quite effective against E.
is very high, it has been said that guava contains as high as 4 coli which otherwise is resistant to most of the modern day
times more vitamin C than orange which makes it good antibiotics in the market. Guava leaves extract possess very
candidate for treating scurvy. It can also be used in toothache good activity against the intestinal microbes, Vibrio cholera,
and ulcers due to its astringent property. Leaves can be causative organism for cholera [17], hence the latter can be
chewed directly to get instant relief from toothache [10]. Bad used in places where drug of choice are difficult to find.

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Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies

Antimicrobial effect of essential oils and methanol, hexane, Antidiarrheal

ethyl acetate extracts from guava leaves were conducted in Boiling 6-10 new tender guava leaves in a pot containing
which the extracts were tested against certain bacteria viz, warm water and drinking the same in the empty stomach
Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli. while being still warm has been found to be very effective in
Of all the bacteria tested the extract showed the maximum controlling diarrhea. Researchers stated that P. guajava leaves
effect against Staphylococcus aureus and methanolic extract have a broad spectrum antimicrobial action (as antigiardial
showed the greatest inhibition of bacterial growth. and antirotaviral activity) that could be effectively used in
controlling diarrhea or pathogenic origin. The antidiarrhoeal
Anticancer Activity activity can be attributed to the presence of high flavonoids
The antioxidant, Lycopene which is present abundantly in content in guava leaves [24]. Among Children, Guava barks are
Guava plays a crucial role in preventing and fighting cancer. also used to treat diarrhea owing to their astringent property.
Amongst all, breast cancer and prostate cancer responds the Tea made from guava leaves or its extract in a cup of warm
best. Red flesh (when dissected) guava contains more water can help to empty the bowel easily. Journal of Smooth
lycopene as compared to the other varieties. Lycopene acts by Muscle Research in 2008 published an article in which some
scavenging the free radicals and also prevents further researcher tested the effect of guava leaves on the peristalsis
formation of free radicals. Many research stated that aqueous of bowel of rats and found the guava leaves extract was able
extract of guava budding leaves possess anti-prostate cancer to delay the onset of castor oil-induced diarrhea, decrease the
activity in a cell line model and concluded they are promising frequency of defecation, and reduce the severity of diarrhea in
anti-androgen-sensitive prostate cancer agent [18]. In addition, the rats [25].
Guava contains a good concentration of carotene as well
which is known to prevent lung and oral cancers too. Antacid and Ulcer Protectant Activity
The alkaline nature of Guava leave gives very good response
Antihypertensive and Hypolipidemic against hyperacidity of the stomach. Still today, it has also
Guava is highly useful for the treatment of hypertension, been found that in most of the villages, Guava tea is prepared
hyperlipidemia and heart disease. It also contains some by adding 10-15 numbers of young Guava leaves, boiled in 3-
amount of potassium which helps to relax blood vessels and 4 cups of water and the warm concoction is made to drink to
thus helps in controlling blood pressure. It has been found that get rid of acidity. Of all the extract solvent, the methanolic
consuming guava fruit on daily basis results in significant extract showed the maximum antacid and ulcer healing
reduction in Blood pressure and blood lipids owing to higher property in vitro [26]. The flavonoids and saponins in the
potassium and fibers in the fruit. Moreover, Guava contains a Guava fruit, as well as leaves, has been found to be an
high concentration of pectin which causes a significant effective remedy in counteracting acidity and subsequent
reduction in the blood lipids by delaying absorption of the ulceration of the stomach. Methanolic extract of Psidium
foods and thereby reduces the risk of cardiovascular guajava leaves in doses: 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight
illnesses19. Many authors had postulated that the gallic acid, lead to significant decrease in ulcer index of ethanol-induced
catechins, epicatechins, rutin, naringenin and kaempferol in ulcer in the stomach of Wister rats [27].
the leaves are responsible for the inhibition of the enzyme,
pancreatic cholesterol esterase resulting in lower cholesterol Wound Healing
in the blood. Catechins are important as a preventive therapy From time immemorial, Guava leaves have been used
for hypercholesterolemia [20]. Quercetin has been associated extensively on wound in the history of mankind. Guava leaves
with decreased mortality from heart disease and decreased were made into a paste by grinding with little water or oil and
incidence of stroke associated with hypertension and the same was applied to the wound surface by ancient people
hyperlipedimiea [21].Guava improves heart health, prevents of India and China. Tannins and flavonoids exhibit faster
stroke by controlling high blood pressure and lowering healing of experimental wound when a methanolic extract of
cholesterol which is credited to the presence of a moderate guava leaves was applied locally twice daily. Many
quantity of potassium. researchers have proved that ointment made from guava
leaves can cure wound far faster than the market supplies. The
Gastrointestinal Problems leaves are washed, ground and extracted with oil to facilitate
Quercetin and flavonoid content in guava leaves has been absorption a vehicle (mostly melted candle wax) is added to
found to counteract many diseases originating in the the extract. The final compound is then applied directly to the
gastrointestinal tract. Psidium guajava leaves are an example wound twice daily for 4 days [28].
of the plant commonly used as popular medicine for a number
of gastrointestinal upset [22]. The alkalinity of fruits and leaves Anti-Allergy
discourages the growth of pathogenic microbes responsible Studies were carried out on methanol and aqueous extracts of
for gastroenteritis. Guava is beneficial in the treatment of Psidium guajava leaves and the result showed potent
diarrhea as the fruit inhibits microbial growth, releases inhibition of histamine release from mast cells and blocked
excessive mucous from the intestine thereby helps to bind IL- 10-mediated, in vitro induction of T regulatory (Tr) cells
loose stools. Guava does contain many essential vitamins and from CD4+ splenocytes of C57BL/6 in mice. The extracts
minerals viz, carotenoids, vitamin C, and potassium which also shifted the Th1/Th2 balance to a Th1 dominant status by
discourages GIT problems. The production of excess mucus directly attenuating Tr cell activity. Guava leaf extracts
in the large intestine can be successfully removed by chewing decreased the allergic reaction mediated via T cell in mice [29]
guava leaves in empty stomach. Drinking guava leaf tea in
moderate quantity results in maintaining consistency of the Conclusion
stool. Guava leaf extract is used to get rid of gastrointestinal The extensive use of allopathic drugs in the treatment and
disorders because of its quercetin and flavonoids content [23]. prevention of diseases has led to the rapid development of
drug resistance. Drug resistance is one of the leading cause of

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Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies

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