Abstract
This chapter provides an evaluation of the nutritional properties of guava seeds. Guava fruits are considered to be ethno-pharmacological medicines and are commonly utilized to control diarrhea in children. Furthermore, tea made from the leaves of guava trees is used to reduce throat inflammation, and the aqueous extracts from guava buds are known for their intense activity toward Salmonella, Serratia, and Staphylococcus, which are responsible for diarrhea. A new antimicrobial peptide from guava seeds has been identified and characterized as having activity against gram-negative bacteria causing gastrointestinal infections in humans. Guava seed peptide belongs to the glycine-rich protein group, a family earlier described only as storage proteins. In vitro bioassays showed that P. guajava antimicrobial peptide was able to inhibit the growth of gram-negative bacteria causing gastrointestinal infections in human. The peptide herein described could be used, in the near future, as a novel tool in the treatment of infections caused by Proteus sp. and Klebsiella sp., also delaying the process of bacterial resistance toward currently used medicines. However, guava fruits have recently demonstrated a cardiac-depressant activity and should be used with caution by those with heart diseases or using medication. Moreover, guava fruits have been seen to reduce blood sugar levels and should be avoided by people with hypoglycemia.
Published Version
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