Abstract
Background
Guava is a fruit widely used as food and is considered a medicinal plant in the tropical and subtropical countries. Scientific research has shown that the fruit contains chemical constituents with comprehensive clinical use. In addition, most of the substances used in cancer treatment have been isolated from natural products.
Objective
To evaluate the cytotoxic, mutagenic, antimutagenic, and chemoprotective potential of the freeze-dried fruit of Psidium guajava, guava, in vivo.
Method
Cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and antimutagenicity were evaluated in three different dosages (0.625, 1.25, 2.50 g/kg) of guava.
Results
The results show that guava does not present cytotoxic 2 and mutagenic activity in the micronucleus assay in peripheral blood and there were no alterations in ALT and AST values showing the absence of hepatic toxicity. In animals treated with guava, the dose of 0.625 mg/kg significantly reduced the damage induced by doxorubicin.
Conclusion
These results show that guava consumption is safe as it is also capable of protecting the genetic material from changes.
Keywords:
guava; micronucleus test; doxorubicin