Biology and Potential of <i>Psidium guajava</i>

Abstract

This review paper deals with the biology and potential of <i>Psidium guajava</i>

<i> </i>relating to its food value, medicinal value and various types of chemicals obtained from it. Guava is a mycorrhizotrophic and multipurpose plant highly suited to tropical and subtropical climates. Evaluation of high yielding and short duration varieties of guava with tissue culture techniques ranks its potential. Further, guava is rich in Vit-A and a number of carotenoids namely lycopene, α-carotene, y-carotene, Zeinoxanthium, 5-6, 5’, 6’ - diepoxy - β-carotene and 5-8-epoxy 3, 3' 4'-trihydroxy β-carotene. Lycopene is a principal pigment in this plant. The medicinal properties of guava for certain types of diseases covering cancer are attributed to the presence of carotenoids and other bioactive components and Vit-A in different parts of it. It is rich in 116 types of volatile compounds. Its multipurpose economic use need to be applied in rural and urban areas.