Abstract:
The various components of Psidium guajava Linn. (Guava) leaves and fruit were
extracted using a Soxhlet extractor (organic) and by boiling (aqueous). The crude extracts
were subjected to further fractionation using organic solvents. The fractions obtained
were tested on Porphyromonas gingivalis, one of the major pathogens causing
periodontitis. The bioactive fraction, the aqueous water layer of the leaf, was
characterized by phytochemical screening. Results showed that guava leaves exhibit
antimicrobial effect on P. gingivalis, as shown by the 14-mm zone of inhibition of the
crude aqueous extract of the leaf and the 12.33-mm zone of inhibition of the aqueous
water layer of the leaf. All other fractions, including all fruit fractions, did not exhibit
microbicidal properties. Phytochemical screening revealed that the bioactive fraction
contains tannins, plant acids, reducing substances, and flavonoids.
