DETERMINATION OF SOME PHYTOCHEMICALS, ANTIOXIDANT, VITAMINS AND MICRO NUTRIENTS IN GUAVA LEAFS (PSIDIUM GUAJAVA)

This study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, vitamin content, and mineral profile of guava leaves, Psidium guajava. Guava leaves are widely used in traditional medicine due to their therapeutic properties and rich bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to determine some phytochemicals, antioxidant activity, vitamins, and micronutrients present in guava leaf extracts.Fresh guava leaves were collected, dried, and extracted using methanol and aqueous solvents. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were carried out to identify compounds such as tannins, phenols, alkaloids, and steroids. Antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated using the DPPH Radical Scavenging Assay and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) methods. Vitamin analysis focused on vitamin C and vitamin B1, while mineral elements including calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium were determined using standard laboratory procedures.The results revealed the presence of important phytochemicals including tannins, phenols, alkaloids, and steroids. Quantitative analysis showed alkaloids (2.418 ± 0.311 mg/g) as the most abundant phytochemical followed by tannins (1.217 ± 0.005 mg/g), steroids (1.045 ± 0.004 mg/g), and phenols (0.942 ± 0.003 mg/g). Mineral analysis indicated potassium as the most abundant element (910.8 ± 4.49 mg/L), followed by calcium (85.10 ± 0.256 mg/L), iron (6.566 ± 0.111 mg/L), and magnesium (3.511 ± 0.002 mg/L). Vitamin analysis revealed the presence of vitamin B1 and vitamin C in significant amounts. The antioxidant assays showed strong radical scavenging activity, with the highest inhibition (82.271 ± 1.180 %) recorded at 1000 µg/mL in the DPPH assay, while FRAP results demonstrated a concentration-dependent increase in reducing power.The findings indicate that guava leaves are rich in bioactive compounds, essential vitamins, and minerals, and possess significant antioxidant potential. These results support the traditional medicinal use of guava leaves and highlight their potential as a natural source of antioxidants and nutraceutical compounds for improving human health.