Preliminary Phytochemical, Antimicrobial and Proximate Analysis of Tender Leaves of Psidium guajava L in Jos, Plateau state, Nigeria

Abstract

Phytochemical screening, proximate, chromatographic analyses and the antimicrobial activities of tender leaves of Psidium guajava of the family Myrtaceae, were carried out. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of all metabolites and compounds tested for such as flavonoids, tannins, reducing sugar, terpenes, saponins, anthraquinones and alkaloids. The proximate analysis gave a moisture content of 3.67%, ash value of 3.295%, acid insoluble ash of 0.25%, alcohol soluble extractive value of 21.34%and water extractive value of 3.54 %. The antimicrobial screening of methanol extract showed activity against the tested organisms. The antimicrobial screening of hexane and ethyl acetate also showed activity against the tested organisms. The result indicated that the leaves had a potential antimicrobial activity and was concentration dependent. The chromatographic analysis of the extracts showed presence of variety of compounds. This therefore, supports the traditional medical use of Psidium guajava.