The Antimicrobial and Chemical Properties of Salvadora persica; Miswak

Abstract

Oral microbiota colonization begins at birth and is normally established within one year. Oral infections due to bacterial dysbiosis are most commonly treated with antibiotics. However, the increasing use of antibiotics contributes to global antimicrobial resistance, calling for the exploration of alternative treatments. A potential practice for dental care that has been around for ages is using herbal products such as miswak (Salvadora persica), a chewing twig that serves as a toothbrush alternative and antimicrobial agent. Methanol and aqueous extracts of miswak have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious activity. Common extracted compounds include alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, vitamins, essential oils, minerals, sterols, and terpenes. It is crucial to further investigate its potential use as a widely known product and to comprehend any associated side effects or risks. In this study, we selected 17 species of bacteria and one yeast species and conducted susceptibility testing using standard Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion techniques. Additionally, we extracted miswak in methanol and performed Thin Layer Chromatography and Column Chromatography. We found the highest antimicrobial activity in vacuumed miswak, particularly in the 4 species that inhabit the oral cavity. The extraction of that miswak revealed 3 flavonoid compounds with distinct Rf Values. The findings demonstrated that miswak possesses antimicrobial properties and contains compounds essential for antioxidant activity.