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Organic Psidium Guajava

Also known as: guava, guava leaves, guava extract, Psidium guajava

Overview

*Psidium guajava*, commonly known as guava, is a tropical plant indigenous to the Americas and cultivated for its sweet, edible fruit. In traditional herbal medicine, all parts of the plant, including its leaves and bark, are utilized for their therapeutic properties. Rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, and glycosides, guava extracts have been the subject of extensive research. They are particularly noted for their pharmacological properties, which include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and antitumor effects. Key states of efficacy are found in clinical research, addressing conditions such as diarrhea and diabetes, highlighting the robust evidence supporting its health benefits. A variety of formulations are available, often extracted using solvents like methanol or acetone to enhance bioactivity.

Benefits

Research supports several health benefits of *Psidium guajava*: (1) **Antidiarrheal Activity**: Extracts have shown strong efficacy by effectively targeting pathogenic bacteria, leading to a significant decrease in diarrhea symptoms. (2) **Hypoglycemic Effects**: Clinical studies have documented reductions in blood glucose levels, indicating its potential for diabetic patients. (3) **Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects**: Guava extracts play a role in modulating inflammatory responses, thus alleviating chronic inflammatory conditions. (4) **Antimicrobial Activity**: Evidence supports its effectiveness against various microbes. Particularly, diabetic populations benefit significantly from guava leaf extracts, as shown in trials emphasizing glucose level reductions, reinforcing its potential adjunctive role in diabetes management.

How it works

*Psidium guajava* extracts primarily function by inhibiting enzymes such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which leads to a reduction in carbohydrate absorption and subsequently lower glucose levels. Key bioactive compounds, including quercetin and tannins, engage these enzymes, enhancing their inhibition. Additionally, the extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory properties by modulating cytokines, thus improving vascular endothelial function and alleviating oxidative stress. Overall, these actions contribute to digestive health support, glucose metabolism regulation, and an improvement in cardiovascular function.

Side effects

While generally considered safe, *Psidium guajava* can lead to mild adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset and allergic reactions, including skin rashes. Instances of severe allergies like angioedema are rare but documented. Caution is warranted for individuals on antidiabetic medications because of the supplement's blood glucose-lowering effects; close monitoring is necessary. Those allergic to guava or specific components should avoid its use. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution due to insufficient safety data, as long-term effects during these periods remain unclear.

Dosage

Dosage recommendations for *Psidium guajava* vary according to the desired effects. For antidiarrheal purposes, dosages as low as 50 mg/day have proved effective. Conversely, for hypoglycemic effects, higher doses between 200 mg to 500 mg/day are suggested based on animal studies. While a maximum safe dosage has not been firmly established, caution is advised for doses exceeding 1 gram daily to avert potential adverse effects. It is recommended to take the extract at the onset of diarrhea, while for glucose regulation, taking it with meals may enhance its effectiveness. Forms such as methanol or acetone extracts typically demonstrate greater bioactivity.