Croton membranaceus seedlings

A tree 34 m high; smooth bark peels off in thin strips; leaves opposite, up to 15 cm long, 5 cm broad, veins prominent on lower surface.A very popular fruit crop, widely eaten in many areas of the world. The plant also has a wide range of traditional medicinal uses and is the source of vaarious commodities.  Very high in vitamin C, it is also a good source of vitamin A and pectin. The fruit makes a very nice jam and can also be pureed then added to a range of desserts. Research has shown that guava leaf has antioxidant effects beneficial to the heart, i.e. cardioprotective properties and improved myocardial function. In two randomized human studies, the consumption of guava fruit for 12 weeks was shown to reduce blood pressure by an average 8 points, decrease total cholesterol levels by 9%, decrease triglycerides by almost 8%, and increase HDL cholesterol by 8% (Jimenez-Escrig, et al., 2001; Conde, et al., 2003). In other animal studies guava leaf extracts showed demonstrable analgesic, sedative, and central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity, as well as cough suppressant actions (Jaiarj et al., 1999; Singh et al., 1993; Singh et al., 1992; Shaheen et al., 2000).