Question 1

What is Psidium guineense used for in traditional medicine?

Accepted Answer

Psidium guineense is used in folk and ayurvedic traditions primarily for digestive complaints such as diarrhoea and dysentery, owing to the astringent tannins in its leaves. The bark has been used in wound-healing preparations, and the fruit provides vitamin C. Most of these applications are supported by ethnobotanical records rather than large-scale clinical trials.

Question 2

Is Psidium guineense the same as common guava?

Accepted Answer

No. Both belong to the genus Psidium in the Myrtaceae family, but Psidium guineense is a separate species sometimes called Brazilian guava or sour guava. Its fruit is smaller and more tart than the common guava (Psidium guajava), and it grows as a shrub rather than a small tree. The two share some phytochemical similarities but differ in flavour profile and cultivation status.

Question 3

Is Psidium guineense native to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

No, it is not native to Sri Lanka. The species originates from Central and South America and has naturalised in many tropical countries, including Sri Lanka. It tends to grow in disturbed areas such as roadsides and forest edges rather than in closed-canopy primary forest.

Question 4

What active compounds are found in Psidium guineense leaves?

Accepted Answer

Research has identified tannins, flavonoids (including quercetin derivatives), phenolic acids, and essential oils in the leaves of Psidium guineense. These compounds are associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities in laboratory studies, which may help explain the plant's traditional medicinal reputation.

Question 5

Where can I learn about ayurvedic plants during a trip to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Ayurvedic wellness centres, hotel herb gardens, and organised village or nature tours are good starting points. Some botanical gardens and eco-lodges in the hill country and dry zone feature guided walks that introduce visitors to medicinal species. A qualified local guide can identify plants in the field more reliably than self-directed exploration.

Question 6

Is Psidium guineense fruit safe to eat?

Accepted Answer

The fruit of Psidium guineense is edible and is consumed in some tropical regions, though its tart flavour makes it less popular fresh than common guava. It is sometimes used in jams or preserves. As with any wild-harvested plant, positive identification by an expert is recommended before consumption.

Question 7

How is Psidium guineense catalogued in Sri Lanka's ayurvedic system?

Accepted Answer

The species is listed in Sri Lanka's catalogue of ayurvedic medicinal plants, a formal record maintained by institutions overseeing traditional medicine on the island. Its inclusion reflects its documented use in folk and herbal practice rather than a comprehensive clinical endorsement. It carries the reference code LK94006116 within Lakpura's botanical documentation.