Phytochemical composition and antibacterial properties of methanolic and aqueous leaf extract of
Psidium guajava (L) was carried out. Fresh leaves of the plant were collected, washed, dried at room temperature
and were grounded to fine powder. It was then extracted with 95% methanol and distilled water and further screened
for the presence of chemically active compounds by standard methods. The antibacterial activity was carried out
using agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical analysis showed that the methanolic leaf extracts of P. guajava
contain reducing sugar, saponins tannins, steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids and phlobatanins while the
aqueous leaf extract contain saponins, tannins, steroids and flavonoids. The zone of inhibition increased with
increase in concentrations of the extract. However, the highest concentration (500mg/ml) of the methanolic extract
revealed a higher significant activity (P > 0.05) compared to Gentamicin (control). The extracts were more active
against gram positive microorganisms than gram negative microorganisms. Furthermore, this study has revealed that
the leaf extract can be harnessed for the production of antibiotics which can enhance our health care delivery system.
[Ugoh, S. C. And Nneji, L. M. Evaluation of the phytochemical composition and antibacterial activities of
methanolic and aqueous leaf.