Monograph of Guava Plant (Psidium guajava) Botanical Name: Psidium guajava Family: Myrtaceae Common Names: Guava, Amrood (Urdu), Peru (Hindi), Bayabas (Filipino) Description: Guava is a small tropical tree that grows up to 20 feet in height. It has smooth, thin bark that peels off in flakes, and its leaves are evergreen, opposite, and aromatic when crushed. The fruit is round or pear-shaped, with white, yellow, pink, or red flesh and numerous small seeds. Distribution: Native to Central America and tropical regions of South America. Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Africa. Parts Used: - Leaves - Fruits - Bark Chemical Constituents: - Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) - Tannins - Flavonoids (e.g., quercetin) - Saponins - Essential oils - Carotenoids - Polyphenols Pharmacological Actions: - Antioxidant - Antidiarrheal - Antibacterial - Antidiabetic - Anti-inflammatory - Antispasmodic - Hepatoprotective Traditional Uses: - Guava leaves are used as a remedy for diarrhea and dysentery. - The fruit is consumed to boost immunity and improve digestion. - Leaves are used in mouthwash for oral hygiene and to treat sore throats. - Decoction of bark and leaves is used in wound healing and skin infections. Dosage Forms: - Fresh fruit - Leaf extract - Decoction - Capsule/tablet (standardized extracts) Adverse Effects: - Generally safe when consumed as food. - High doses of leaf extract may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals. Contraindications: - None well documented. Caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to limited safety data. Scientific Studies: Several studies support the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties of guava leaf extracts. Research also indicates potential use in managing hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Conclusion: Guava is a valuable medicinal plant with various therapeutic applications. Its rich nutritional profile and traditional use in treating gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders make it an important plant in herbal medicine. References: 1. Indian Journal of Medical Research 2. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 3. Pharmacognosy Reviews