The Antimicrobial Property of Psidium guajava Linn. (Guava) Leaf and Fruit on the Periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis and the Partial Characterization of its Active Component

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.