Introduction

Guava seed oil is extracted from dried seeds of the Psidium guajava (guava) plant. It is a tropical plant which has been grown mainly for its fruit, but is historically known for the various medicinal benefits it provides (1) The main world producers of guava are India and Mexico, although it is found in Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, and Bangladesh as well.2 The leaves are known as natural remedies to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as hypertension, while the seeds are harvested for dietary fiber and proteins, as well as for the rich seed oil that can be extracted.

Physical and Chemical Characteristics

There are quite a few varieties of guava, with the pulp in different colors like white, pink, and red, which is known in some regions as the strawberry guava. The seeds of guava constitute about 6–12% by weight of the whole fruit. They are round and pale yellow in color, with 16% composed of oil.

Guava seed oil is removed from the dried seeds using solvent extraction, but traditional methods involving boiling and roasting the seeds are also done in some areas.

The oil is rich in tocopherols and carotenoids (vitamin E and vitamin A). It’s high antioxidant activity, estimated to be at 59%, helps to eliminate free radicals that cause signs of aging and pigmentation on the skin.3

It contains an abundance of essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid (LA), phenolics like chlorogenic acid and phytosterols (like stimasterol, β-sitosterol and campesterol)

Studies show that it can promote skin wound healing as it increases the migration of keratinocytes or skin cells.(4)

Guava Seed Oil Fatty Acid Profile

Health Benefits of Internal Use

Guava seeds, a by-product of the beverage and juice processing industry, are abundant in dietary fibre, proteins, amino acids and essential fats, and is often used as a wheat flour substitute. The guava seed oil may be used as an edible oil , due to its nutrient dense properties, and its anti-oxidant and anti- inflammatory properties.

Skin and Hair Care Benefits

Guava seed oil is rich in linoleic acid, which is as essential fatty acid responsible for improving skin texture, as it hydrates it. It helps in strengthening the skin’s barrier, protecting it from loss of moisture and infections. It is also effective in reducing the redness seen around stretchmarks or scars, while maintaining elasticity, preventing early signs of wrinkles.

Conclusion

Guava seed oil has tremendous benefits in skin care products and may be used in formulations, most often as an emollient.

References

1.Naseer, S., Hussain, S., Naeem, N. et al. The phytochemistry and medicinal value of Psidium guajava (guava). Clin Phytosci 4, 32 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40816-018-0093-8

2.Anam Arain, Syed Tufail Hussain Sherazi, Sarfaraz Ahmed Mahesar & Sirajuddin (2017) Spectroscopic and chromatographic evaluation of solvent extracted guava seed oil, International Journal of Food Properties, 20:sup1, S556-S563, DOI: 10.1080/10942912.2017.1301953

3.Kapoor, Swati & Gandhi, Neeraj & Tyagi, Sanjeev & Kaur, Amarjeet & Mahajan, B.V.c. (2020). Extraction and characterization of guava seed oil: A novel industrial byproduct. LWT. 132. 109882. 10.1016/j.lwt.2020.109882.

4.Prommaban, A, Utama-ang, N, Chaikitwattana, A, Uthaipibull, C, Srichairatanakool, S. Linoleic acid-rich guava seed oil: Safety and bioactivity. Phytotherapy Research. 2019; 33, 2749– 2764. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6449