ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF PSIDIUM GUAJAVA LEAF EXTRACT: PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING AND BIOACTIVITY ASSESSMENT

Abstract

This study evaluates the antibacterial, antioxidant, and pharmaceutical relevance of Psidium guajava (guava) leaf extract through phytochemical profiling and bioactivity assessment. The leaves were collected, processed, and extracted using suitable organic solvents to obtain crude extracts enriched with bioactive constituents. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, saponins, and alkaloids, which are known for their pharmacological importance. The antibacterial activity was assessed against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria using standard microbiological assays, where the extract exhibited significant inhibitory effects, suggesting its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent. Antioxidant potential was evaluated through free radical scavenging assays, demonstrating strong activity due to high phenolic and flavonoid content, which help in reducing oxidative stress linked to various chronic diseases. From a pharmaceutical perspective, these bioactive compounds indicate potential applications in drug development, particularly in the formulation of herbal medicines, antiseptic preparations, wound healing agents, and antioxidant-based therapeutics. The study also highlights the relevance of Psidium guajava leaves as a cost-effective and accessible natural resource for developing plant-based pharmaceutical products. Overall, the findings support the traditional medicinal use of guava leaves and emphasize their promising role in modern pharmacy for managing microbial infections and oxidative stress-related disorders.