Botany

Bayabas is a somewhat hairy plant reaching a height of 8 meters. Young branches are 4-angled. Leaves are opposite, oblong to elliptic, and 5 to 1 centimeters long, the apex being pointed, and the base usually rounded. Peduncles are 1- to 3-flowered. Flowers are white, 3 to 3.5 centimeters across, with in-curved petals, coming out solitary or two to three in the leaf axils. Numerous stamens form the attractive part of the flower. Inferior ovaries develop into round or obovoid green fruitsm 4 to 9 centimeters long, turning yellow on ripening and have edible, aromatic, seedy pulp.

Distribution

- Widely distributed throughout the Philippines in all islands and provinces. - Common in backyards and settled areas. - In thickets and secondary forests at low altitudes, ascending to at least 1,500 meters. - Introduced from tropical America. - Thoroughly naturalized. - Pantropic in distribution.

Constituents

- Phytochemical screening yielded alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, polyphenols, reducing compounds, saponins and tannins. - Leaf products have isolated more than 20 compounds, including alkaloids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, essential oils, fatty acids, lectins, phenols, saponins, tannins, triterpenes, and vitamin C. - Leaves contain a fixed oil (6%) and volatile oil (0.365%). - Fixed oil, 6%; volatile (essential) oil, 0.365%; eugenol; tannin 8-15%; saponins; amydalin; phenolic acids; malic acid; ash, aldehydes. - Fruit contains "glykosen" 4.14 to 4.3%, saccharose 1.62 to 3.4 %, protein 0.3%, etc. - Bark contains 12 to 30% tannin. Roots are also rich in tannin. - Contains catequinic components and flavonoids. - Major constituents of leaves are tannins, -sitosterol, maslinic acid, essential oils, triterpenoids and flavonoids.

Properties
- Andiarrheal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antioxidant hepatoprotective, anti-allergy, antimicrobial, antigenotoxic, antiplasmodial, cardioactive, anticough, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, antinociceptive. - Bark and leaves are astringent and vulnerary.

Parts utilized

Leaves, bark, fruit, flowers, roots.

Uses
Edibility / Nutrition - Well known for its edible fruit. - Fruit can be eaten raw or canned, jellied, juiced or powdered. - Ripe fruit is eaten as vegetable and used as seasoning for native dishes, like sinigang, etc. - Very high in vitamin C (80 mg in 100 gm of fruit) with large amounts of vitamin A. Folkloric - In the Philippines, the astringent, unripe fruit, the leaves, bark cortex, and roots - though more often the leaves only - are used in decoction for washing ulcers and wounds. - Fresh leaves used for wounds and toothache. - Decoction or infusion of fresh leaves used for wound cleaning to prevent infection and to facilitate healing. - Warm decoction of leaves for aromatic baths. - Decoction of bark and leaves used for diarrhea. - For diarrhea, boil for 15 minutes 4 to 6 tablespoons of chopped leaves in 18 ounces of water. Strain and cool. Drink 1/4 of the decoction every 3 - 4 hours. - Bark used internally for chronic diarrhea of children and adults - half an ounce of the bark or root bark in six ounces of water is boiled down to 3 ounces, and given in teaspoon doses. Also used for prolapsus ani of children. - Decoction of rootbark also used as mouthwash for swollen gums. - Root-bark has been recommended for chronic diarrhea. - For toothache, chew 2-3 young leaves and put into the tooth cavity. - In Mexico, decoction of leaves used for cleaning ulcers. Ground leaves used as poultice. Leaves also used as remedy for itches. Fruit also used as anthelmintic. - In Uruguay, decoction of leaves used as vaginal and uterine wash, especially in leucorrhea. - In the West Indies, decoction of young leaves and shoots used as febrifuge and for antispasmodic baths. Infusion of leaves used for cerebral affections, nephritis, and cachexia. Pounded leaves used locally for rheumatism; extract used for epilepsy and chorea. - In Costa Rica, decoction of flower buds used for diarrhea and to improve blood flow. - For gum swelling, chew leaves or use the leaf decoction as mouthwash 3 times daily; chewed leaves. - For skin ulcers, pruritic or infected wounds: Apply decoction of leaves or unripe fruit as wash or the leaf poultice on the wound or use the decoction for wound cleansing. It is also popularly used for the wound healing of circumcision wounds. - Guava jelly used as heart tonic; also for constipation. - Ripe fruit is used as aperient. - Water in which the fruit is soaked used for diabetes. - For nosebleeds, densely roll the bayabas leaves and place into the nostril cavity.

- As vaginal wash, warm decoction of leaves as vaginal wash (after childbirth) or douche. Cosmetic Leaf extract used in skin whitening products. Dental Toothbrush au-natural: Bayabas twigs, chewed at the ends until frayed, used as alternative for toothbrushing with whitening effect. Others Wood is suitalbe for carpentry, turnery, fuel or charcoal. A favorite rural use for tool handles.

Studies
Assessment of two medicinal plants, Psidium guajava L. and Achillea millefolium L., in in vitro and in vivo assays: Study on the cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of the plants provide info on its safety for use as therapeutic agents. Antihypertensive / Antidiarrheal: In the study, P guajava leaf extracts was more active than D mespiliformis in their antagonistic effects on caffeine-induced calcium release from the sarcoplasmic retidculum of rat skeletal muscle. Results might explain their use as antihypertensive and antidiarrheal agents in traditional medicine through an inhibition of intracellular calcium release. Antidiarrheal / Quercetin: Quercetin is a main active constituent. Spasmolytic and antidiarrheal effects are attributed to quercetin-derived, flavonoids and glycosides. Anticestodal: Anticestodal efficacy of Psidium guajava against experimental Hymenolepis diminuta infection in rats : The study showed anticestodal efficacy and supports folkloric medicinal use in the treatment of intestinal-worm infections in northeast India. Hypoglycaemic / Hypotensive: The leaf of Psidium guajava is used extensively in African folk medicine. The study shows that the aqueous leaf extract of P. guajava possesses hypoglycemic and hypotensive properties and provides pharmaco credence to the folkloric use of the plant for type-2 diabetes and hypertension in some rural African communities. Microbicidal: (1) Microbicidal effect of medicinal plant extracts (Psidium guajava Linn. and Carica papaya Linn.) upon bacteria isolated from fish muscle and known to induce diarrhea in children: Study concludes that guava sprout extracts is a feasible treatment option for diarrhea caused by E coli or S aureus-produced toxins, with quick curative effect, easy availability and low cost. (2) Aequeous extracts of leaves have shown antimicrobial activity against Shigella spp., Vibrio spp., S aureus, B-strep, E coli, P aeruginosa and B subtilis.

 Guava Extracts and Radiolabelling: Study showed aqueous PG extract could present antioxidant action and affect membrane structures in ion transport altering radiolabelling of blood constituents with Technitium (Tc99m) and precautions applied to nuclear medicine procedures on patients using guava extracts. Antidiabetic: Study of extract of leaves of PG showed to possess antidiabetic effect in type 2 diabetic mice model, the effect in part, mediated via the inhibition of PTP1B (protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B). Phytochemical / Trypanocidal: Study showed that PG leaf extract possessed trypanocidal properties attributed to broad antimicrobial and iron chelating activity of flavonoids and tannins. Iron chelation was suggested as a effective way of killing trypanosomes. Antitumor: Study showed P guajava extracts to be efficacious in preventing tumor development by depressing Tr cells (regulatory). Antioxidant: (1) Study of methanolic extract of PG leaves showed in vitro free radical scavenging activity. (2) Study showed extracts from distilled water, 65% ethanol and 95% ethanol with significant dose-dependent effects on scavenging hydroxyl radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Flavonoids may be one of the antioxidative components. Antiproliferative / Anticancer: A study on the antiproliferative activity of essential oil from 17 thai medicinal plants on human mouth epidermal carcioma (KB) and murine leukemia (P388) cell lines. In the KB cell line, Psidium guajava leaf oil showed the highest anti-proliferative activity, more than 4x more potent than vincristine. The results suggested the potential of Thai medicinal plants for cancer treatment. Antidiarrheal / Microbicidal: (1) A study concludes that guava sprout extracts is a feasible treatment option for diarrhea caused by E coli or S aureus-produced toxins, with quick curative action, easy accessibility and low cost. (2) A morphine-like spasmolytic action involving the inhibition of acetylcholine release and the transmural transport of electrolytes and water has been reported as possible modes of antidiarrheal action of P guajava leaf extracts. The extract also inhibited the growth of causative agents for enteric fecver, food poisoning, dysentery and cholera. Antispasmodic: In a study of acute diarrheic disease, a phytodrug developed from guava leaves, standardized with its quercetin content, exhibited a decrease in the duration of abdominal pain. Antioxidant / Hypocholeterolemic: A study done to determine the effects of guava consumption on antioxidant status and lipid profile in normal male youth showed a significant increase in level of total antioxidants and reduced oxidative stress and also increase the level of HDL cholesterol significantly. Anti-Ulcer: Study showed rats pretreated with P guajava extract from fresh tender leaves showed antiulcer activity in aspirin-induced gastric ulcer model with a significant reduction of ulcer index, pepsin activity, free and total acidity, volume and mucus content of gastric juice. antioxidants and reduced oxidative stress and also increase the level of HDL cholesterol significantly. Antibacterial: Study evaluated the antibacterial activities of aqueous and ethanolwater extracts from leaves, roots and stem bark of P. guajava. The AE of leaves roots and stems were active against gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and B. subtilis and virtually ineffective against E. coli and P. aeruginosa. The EW showed higher activity thabn the AE.

 Leaves Extracts / Differences in Hypoglycemic Potential: In a mice model, study showed the water soluble, edible alcohol, and edible alcohol-soluble extracts of wild Psidium guajava leaves may have different hypoglycemic potential. Hepatoprotective: Study in male and female rats showed the aqueous extract of P. guajava leaves may be hepatoprotective (not hepatotoxic), with hematopoietic potentials. Anticancer Activity / Review: Review of a limited number of studies revealed guava extracts may have anti-cancer activity. One study tested guava fruit extract against a proliferation of cancer cell lines. One study in mice used a combination of bark, leaf, and root extract to inhibit growth of B16 melanoma cells.

uava is rich of vitamin C, carotenoids, potassium, calcium and iron. Vitamin C in guava is five times more than that of an orange. Here are some wonderful uses for guava.
1. The roots, leaves, bark and immature fruits are used for gastroenteritis as they are astringents. 2. The fiber content in guava controls blood pressure and cholesterol. As a result it is very beneficial for heart. 3. Vitamin C in guava fruit regulates heart beat and fights with free radicals. The potassium content and fiber in guava helps kidney in eliminating wastes.
4. Lycopene in guava reduces the risk of cancer.

5. Guava controls diabetes and it is good for constipation. 6. Apply the crushed leaves on wounds and aching places to get relief from pain. 7. Chew the leaves of guava after washing thoroughly to get relief from toothache. 8. The decoction of leaves of guava is a good remedy for cough and throat pain. 9. Gargling with the decoction of guava leaves relieves from swollen gums and oral ulcers. 10. The decoction is also beneficial for skin diseases and it is very useful in stopping the puking sensation. 11. In traditional medicine, the extraction of leaves is used to cure epilepsy and cholera. Convulsions in children can be treated by rubbing the stain on their spines. 12. In some tribes, the decoction of leaves and bark is used to expel the placenta after childbirth. Read more: http://healthmad.com/alternative/12-wonderful-uses-for-guava/#ixzz1mhx2Lr1f

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09 Nov 2010

Why Should Anyone Care About Guava Leaf Extract?

0 Comments Guava Facts, Research Guava leaf, like many other herbs, has an amazing array of qualities, and it seems to be able to do amazing things. It can stop diarrhea and has saved many lives across the world. Especially in impoverished countries, and in regions where modern health care is either not accessible, or it is not affordable (or both). There are constituents in guava leaf that attack pathogens. Its antibacterial. Guava leaf can regulate blood glucose levels. It can help make you thin! It can even allow you to drink as much as you want and not have (many) repercussions the next day!

Read more 16 Feb 2012

Guava Leaf Tea

0 Comments Research

Many of you have been writing to ask how to make guava leaf tea, so I figured I would make it a new post. There are two methods available when making medicinal herbal teas: Infusions and Decoctions. Infusions are made by starting with boiling water, and letting the herbs soak for 10-20 minutes. To make an herbal decoction, you add your herbal material to cold water, heat it to boiling, then simmer for 20 minutes or more. Decoctions are more often used with root and bark material because medicinal qualities are more difficult to extract. For guava leaf tea, you can use either method to ensure the maximum amount of phytochemicals are extracted, simmer for a minimum of 10 minutes. If using dried leaves, add a couple teaspoons per each 8oz water to start, then alter to personal taste. If using fresh leaves you need to add more (maybe 2-4tsp), as the leaves will not be as concentrated and still contain a great deal of water. These methods may be used for a variety of medicinal teas, but be sure to research your ingredients. Guava leaf has not been shown to have any toxicity, so making a very strong guava leaf tea is ok. The same cannot be said for all herbs. As always, make sure to discuss all herbal uses with a medical professional to asses medication interactions and health concerns. Cheers to your health, everyone, and I appreciate your comments and questions. Keep them coming! 30 Nov 2011

Guava Leaf use suggested in Thailand newspaper

0 Comments Research In October, the Bangkok Post ran an article suggesting people use guava leaves, along with mangosteen skin, the outer part of makham pom (Indian gooseberry), si siad (Acacia catechu) trunk, maak or betel fruit, and phlu leaves to help prevent fungal infection following the worst flooding in Thailands history. Read the article here. 08 Sep 2011

Guava Leaves are used for Medicinal Treatments in Guatemala

4 Comments Guava Facts, Research, Science Originally inherited from the Aztec in Mesoamerica, guava leaves have a long history in Guatemala as a useful, and sometimes lifesaving, tool for battling diarrhea and intestinal discomfort. They are listed alongside 15 other plants in Plants used in Guatemala for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, in 1993. This paper reports the in vitro studies [studies done in a petri dish] of the activity of 16 plant extracts against pathogenic enterobacteria (31). The researchers start out with a list of 408 plants; they narrow the list down to 34 plants which are deemed worthy of further study. Of these 34 plants, 16 are chosen for confirmation of antibacterial activity against E coli, Salmonella enteritidis, and Shigella flexneri pathogens. Guava leaf (Psydium guajava) turns out to be one of three plants (out of the 16) that inhibits growth of all three kinds of bacteria. For a majority of these plants, the most effective extraction agent for antibacterial activity is ethanol. Ethanol extract, acetone extract, and n-hexane extracts of each plant are tested and compared for effectiveness. For guava leaf, the acetone extract proved most effective for antibacterial activity. In Guatemala, guava leaf is used for diarrhea, dysentery, stomach pain, leucorrhea (a condition of unusual vaginal discharge), and a variety skin infections. To access this article, please click here. 11 May 2011

Guava Leaf Extract Shown to Protect Liver from Damage

0 Comments Antioxidants, Disease Prevention, Research, Science, Toxins According to Indian folklore, it is believed that the leaves of this plant [guava] can cure jaundice within three days (305). The use of guava leaves is reported to be widespread in the Mangalore district of Karnataka, in Southwest India, for the cure of jaundice. Scientists in the area decided to verify the use of guava leaves for jaundice and other liver diseases by conducting a study on the hepatoprotective (liver protection) properties of guava leaves. The study on the hepatoprotective effects of guava leaf extract was conducted at the Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy in Bangalore, India. Researchers collected fresh leaves from guava trees in the Koramangala area in Bangalore. They crushed them, and boiled the leaves in water for one hour. They filtered out the solids, and evaporated the water, leaving a powdered guava leaf extract. Rats were used as study subjects. Analysis of the extract showed that it contained carbohydrates, tannins, flavanoids, saponins, steriods, protiens and amino acids.

Researchers found that the extract showed good liver protective activities; the effect produced by the higher doses of guava leaf extract (500mg/kg) was similar to that produced by Silymarin, a well-known hepatoprotective agnet. Furthermore, the guava leaf extract prevented an increase in liver weight in rats, something Silymarin does not do. In conclusion, the researchers stated, the aqueous extract of Psidium guajava Linn. leaves [guava leaves] showed good hepatoprotective activity in CCI4 induced acute and chronic liver damage, PCM induced liver damage and TAA induced liver necrosis. The hepatoprotective activity may be due to the antioxidant effect of the plant (310). In other words, guava leaves can help protect the liver. Guava leaf tea or guava leaf extract seems to be able to help prevent damage, or help to treat damage already done. For a link to the full article, please click here. 21 Apr 2011

Guava Leaves and Prostate Cancer Cells

0 Comments Cancer, Research, Science

In the journal Nutrition and Cancer, an article on the Action Mechanism and Signal Pathways of Psidium guajava L. Aqueous Extract in Killing Prostate Cancer LNCaP Cells was published in 2010. The study comes out of Taiwan, a country which makes frequent use of guava leaves for a variety of ailements. In the article, an aqueous extract of Psidium guajava L budding leaves (PE) has been shown to possess anti-prostate cancer activity in a cell line model (260). The researchers reported that they were drawn to study guava leaves effect on prostate cancer cells after conducting a study which showed that guava leaves were potent anti-glycative agents (261); this action was ascribed to the unusual free radical scavenging and anti-oxidative capabilities of guava leaf polyphenols. The effects of glycation can result in the formation of irreversible advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are associated with many progressive diseases and can also trigger cancer formation. Since guava leaves showed strong anti-glycative properties, the scientists chose to study the leaves action against an abundant form of prostate cancer, LNCap: Lymph node-metastasis prostate cancer. They performed tests both in vitro (petri dish) and in vivo (in mice). In vitro, they found that guava leaves were cytotoxic on the cancer cells, and that the leaves arrested cell cycle of LNCaP cells[guava leaves] inhibited LNCaP cell growth and proliferation by preventing the cells from entering the S phase, andTUNEL assay also confirmed the apoptic mechanism induced by [guava leaves] (265).

In vivo, although no significant difference in body weight was observed among the tumorimplanted [mice], the size of the tumors in the untreated mice was much larger when compared to tumor sizes in the guava leaf-treated mice at week 6 of the study. Conclusively, the authors state, [guava leaf] is a potent anticancer agent, acting through both cytotoxic and apoptotic action mechanisms; therfore, it [can feasably be used] as a potential adjuvant anti-prostate cancer therapy, in particular, for anti-androgen-responsive PCa (268). Click here for access to the full article. 17 Mar 2011

The next superfruit? Guava fruit has benefits, too.

0 Comments Research Active.com lists guava fruit as a superfood alongside sardines, blueberries and flaxseed. To follow the link, click here. 15 Mar 2011

A review of Effect of Guava Leafon Glucose Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

0 Comments Research This article was published in 2008 with research conducted at National Taiwan University. Scientists set out to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effect of guava leaf extracts in diabetic rats. As stated in previous posts, diabetes mellitus is a type of metabolic disorder, characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and deficiencies in in insulin secretion and/or insulin action. Type 2 Diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. According to this article, Type 2 Diabetes is expected to affect more than 365 million people worldwide by the year 2030. People in both Japan and Taiwan boil guava leaves in water and drink the extract as a folk medicine for diabetes, and researchers decided to test the efficacy of this treatment in Type 2 Diabetic rats. They found that diabetic rats that received oral guava leaf extracts showed lower blood glucose levels (p. 1460), and the lowering of blood glucose levels was dose-dependent. So, higher doses of guava leaf extract resulted in lower blood glucose readings. Researchers concluded that guava leaf extracts may relieve hyperglycemia in diabetic rats. Guava leaf extracts also stimulate[d] glucose utilization in liver tissues. They found that through a variety of possible mechanisms/pathways, guava leaf extract resulted in a decrease in the blood glucose level in diabetic rats. To access the full article, click here 03 Mar 2011

Guava Leaves can help Diabetics

1 Comment Research The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes diabetes as a top preventable killer worldwide Type 2 diabetes, arising commonly from excess body weight and inactivity, comprises 90% of diagnosed diabetics. In 2004, an estimated 3.4 million people died from blood sugar related consequences, and WHO predicts that death from diabetes will double by 2030. Eighty percent of these deaths will occur in low-to-middle income countries. These are sobering statistics. However, there is a silver lining illuminating these dark clouds. Type 2 diabetes is both manageable, and highly preventable. Guava leaves can, and do, play an important role in diabetes management and prevention. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has published a list of Foods For Specific Health Uses, or FOSHU. This list includes a commercial (pre-packaged) form of guava leaf tea, called Bansoureicha, made by Yakult Honsha. In 2010 Yakult Honsha published a clinical study utilizing guava leaf tea in Nutrition & Metabolism, Anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of guava leaf extract. In the study, they reviewed evidence regarding the anti-hyperglycemic activities and safety of GvEx (guava leaf extract) and Guava Leaf Tea in vitro [petri dish], as well as in animal models and several clinical trials. They also described the efficacy and safety of Guava Leaf Tea in prediabetic and diabetic patients with T2DM (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus).[i] In a clinical trial involving twenty hospitalized patients with T2DM, guava leaf tea was given to patients 2 hours after mealtime, after postprandial glucose levels had been allowed to elevate. The elevated level was significantly reduced with a single administration of guava leaf tea. In a continuation of the clinical study, they tested guava leaf teas effectiveness over a twelve-week period. They found that insulin resistance significantly decreased in all subjects. Moreoverserum levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides significantly decreased in the subjects with hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) and hypertriglycemia (high triglyceride levels). What does this all mean? Guava leaf use should be more widespread as a tool to help combat a worldwide leading cause of malady, both in developed and undeveloped countries. As the article states, the consecutive ingestion of guava leaf tea [or guava leaf extract] with every meal is expected to benefit pre-diabetic and diabetic patients as an aliment therapy in both developed and undeveloped countries. Yakault Honshas motives are for people to buy and drink their product every day, but any form of guava leaf will have the same wonderful benefits. Look for more reviews on scientific articles about guava leaf to come!