Name: Nadjet Cornejal, Claudia Melo
Mentor Name: Dr. Jose Fernandez Romero & Dr. Adolfina Koroch
Abstract: Guava (Psidium guajava) is a small tree from the Myrtaceae family native to Central and South America. Scientists have suggested that chemicals isolated from the guava plant can have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. We performed preliminary studies to determine if a guava leaves extract has antiviral activity against herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1). For this purpose, the XTT colorimetric assay was used to estimate cytotoxicity (toxicity in cells) while the plaque-reduction assay was used to test the anti-HSV-1 activity. Our results suggest that we have a selective antiviral activity with a therapeutic index higher than 750. This result warrants further evaluation of the potential use of this extract to treat HSV-1 infections.
