Psidium cattleianum (Psidium cattleianum): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Psidium cattleianum work as an antioxidant?

Psidium cattleianum (strawberry guava) exerts antioxidant effects through its rich content of anthocyanins, flavonoids, tannins, and vitamin C. These compounds neutralize free radicals by donating electrons, reducing oxidative stress at the cellular level. The tannins also contribute to antidiarrheal action by binding to intestinal mucosa proteins, creating a protective barrier that reduces fluid secretion and inflammation. Evidence level: C (preliminary research).

Does Psidium cattleianum interact with any medications?

No well-documented drug interactions exist for Psidium cattleianum in current scientific literature. However, its tannin content may theoretically reduce absorption of certain medications when taken concurrently. The vitamin C content could potentially affect laboratory tests or interact with anticoagulants at high doses. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before using concentrated medicinal preparations. Evidence level: C (theoretical based on constituent profile).

What is the recommended dosage for Psidium cattleianum leaf tea?

The traditional adult dosage for Psidium cattleianum leaf tea is approximately 2 grams of dried leaves steeped in hot water for 10-15 minutes, consumed up to three times daily for digestive complaints. The fruit may be consumed freely as food. Standardized extracts are not widely available, so dosing follows traditional preparation methods. Consult a qualified herbalist for personalized recommendations. Evidence level: Traditional.

Is Psidium cattleianum safe during pregnancy?

Psidium cattleianum fruit is considered safe when consumed as food during pregnancy in normal dietary amounts. However, medicinal preparations such as concentrated leaf teas or extracts should be used with caution, as safety data during pregnancy is limited. Excessive consumption is not recommended. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before using any herbal preparations beyond normal food intake. Evidence level: C (extrapolated from related species and traditional use).

What are the health benefits of strawberry guava leaves?

Psidium cattleianum leaves have been traditionally used for antidiarrheal purposes and wound healing applications. Laboratory studies demonstrate antimicrobial properties against various pathogens, supporting traditional topical use. The leaves contain tannins and flavonoids that provide astringent and antioxidant effects. Research remains preliminary, primarily from in vitro studies rather than human clinical trials. Evidence level: C.

What side effects can Psidium cattleianum cause?

Psidium cattleianum is generally well-tolerated when consumed as food or traditional medicinal preparations. Reported side effects are mild and may include gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions are rare but possible, particularly in those with sensitivities to other Myrtaceae family plants such as guava or eucalyptus. No serious adverse events have been documented. Discontinue use if unusual symptoms occur. Evidence level: C.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Psidium cattleianum, commonly known as strawberry guava or araçá, is a Brazilian native shrub valued for its edible fruit and potential pharmaceutical applications [PMID: 29655760, PMID: 36814544].

Background

Psidium cattleianum is an evergreen shrub native to Brazil [PMID: 36814544, PMID: 38644814]. It exists in different morphotypes, including red and yellow (P. cattleianum var. lucidum) varieties [PMID: 22417549, PMID: 38231761].

Traditional uses

Leaves have been traditionally used as an anti-diarrheal remedy [PMID: 40147676] and for the treatment of diabetes in East Asia and other countries [PMID: 22211962].

Active compounds

The plant contains phenolic compounds including flavonoids (hyperoside, isoquercitrin, quercetin, apigenin, galangin) [PMID: 22417549, PMID: 38252363, PMID: 31907761], phenolic acids (gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, syringic acid) [PMID: 35428410, PMID: 31907761], and other compounds such as ellagic acid, epicatechin gallate, and carotenoids (all-trans-lutein, all-trans-beta-carotene) [PMID: 25038660]. Leaf extracts also contain d-glucuronic acid, loganin, and xanthyletin [PMID: 22211962]. Volatile compounds in the fruit include ethanol, alpha-pinene, (Z)-3-hexenol, (E)-beta-caryophyllene, and hexadecanoic acid [PMID: 11743779].

Mechanism of action

The butanol fraction of leaf extract suppresses MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and activity by downregulating the ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathway in lung cancer cells [PMID: 22211962]. Leaf and fruit extracts activate and rapidly desensitize TRPA1 cation channels [PMID: 40129993].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DType 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Fruit extract prevented increases in serum glucose, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, VLDL, and IL-6, and restored liver and pancreas histology in an animal model, showing effectiveness comparable to or greater than metformin [PMID: 36576409]

Evidence DDepression

Aqueous leaf extract abolished depression-like behavior and oxidative stress induced by corticosterone in mice [PMID: 39191412]

Evidence DInflammation

Fruit extracts showed cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme inhibitory activities (18.3% to 26.5% at 250 ug/mL) [PMID: 23107729]; essential oils from leaves and flowers also demonstrated anti-inflammatory activities [PMID: 36814544]

Evidence DBacterial/Fungal Infections

Leaf extracts showed inhibitory effects against Streptococcus mutans [PMID: 18367836], Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans [PMID: 29297559, PMID: 29318387]

Evidence DCancer

Leaf extracts demonstrated antitumoral activity in cutaneous melanoma cells [PMID: 35428410] and antiproliferative effects in C6, HT-29, and DU149 cancer cell lines [PMID: 38231761]

Safety & adverse effects

In vitro tests using NIH/3T3 cell lines and the HET-CAM test indicated that fruit extracts had no toxic or irritant effects [PMID: 38231761].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial potential, though human clinical trials are lacking.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 22417549 (2011) — Comparative analysis of the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of red (Psidium cattleianum) and yellow (Psidium cattleianum var. lucidum) strawberry guava fruit. · Journal of food science
2.PMID: 36814544 (2023) — Essential oils of Psidium cattleianum Sabine leaves and flowers: Anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities. · Frontiers in chemistry
3.PMID: 29655760 (2018) — Psidium cattleianum fruits: A review on its composition and bioactivity. · Food chemistry
4.PMID: 23057786 (2012) — Proximate analysis, in vitro organic matter digestibility, and energy content of common guava (Psidium guajava L.) and yellow, strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum Var. lucidum) tree parts and fruits as potential forage. · Journal of agricultural and food chemistry
5.PMID: 11743779 (2001)

Psidium cattleianum

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Psidium cattleianum

Calvatia Gigantea

Ulmo

Agarikon

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Psidium cattleianum

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Psidium cattleianum

Related Herbs

Calvatia Gigantea

Ulmo

Agarikon

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources