Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Guava (Psidium guajava) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially in tropical and subtropical regions such as parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Traditionally, various parts of the guava plant—including leaves, bark, and fruit—have been used for their purported antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. Guava leaf extracts in particular have been used in folk remedies to treat infections, diarrhea, and inflammation, which are often related to microbial pathogens. The traditional rationale is based on observations of symptom relief rather than scientific validation.

There is some preliminary scientific research suggesting that guava leaves contain phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins, and essential oils with antibacterial activity in vitro against certain bacterial strains. However, the clinical evidence supporting the use of guava as an alternative or adjunct to conventional antibiotics in humans is limited and not robust. Most studies are preclinical, conducted in test tubes or animal models, and do not provide sufficient evidence to recommend guava as a replacement for antibiotics in clinical practice. Thus, while traditional use is well documented, the scientific evidence remains modest, and guava should not be considered a substitute for medically prescribed antibiotics.

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