Antibacterial activity of Miswak Salvadora persica extracts against isolated and genetically identified oral cavity pathogens

Abstract

Abstract. BACKGROUND: Despite medical progress worldwide, dental caries are still widespread. Miswak is derived from the plant Arak (Salvadora persica). It is used by Muslim peoples as a natural product for the cleansing of teeth, to ensure oral and dental hygiene. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of ethanol, methanol, and ethanol/methanol extracts of Miswak against three bacterial pathogens of the oral cavity. METHODS: The pathogens were isolated from the oral cavity of volunteers/patients and were identified on the basis of 16S rRNA gene amplification data. Sequence comparisons were made with 16S rRNA gene sequences available in the GenBank database. RESULTS:The results of sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis identified the three pathogens as being Staphylococcus aureus strain KKU-020, Enterococcus faecalis strain KKU-021 and Klebsiella pneumoniae strain KKU-022. All Miswak extracts showed powerful antimicrobial activity against the three pathogens. The maximum zone of inhibition (40.67 ± 0.88 mm) was observed against E. faecalis KKU-021 with ethanolic extracts whilst methanolic extracts showed the minimum zone of inhibition (10.33 ± 0.88 mm) against K. pneumonia KKU-022. CONCLUSION: Based upon the significant effects of the Miswak extracts, against the oral cavity pathogens in our study, we recommend that Miswak could be used as a dental hygiene method to prevent tooth caries.

GC/MS Profiling and Ex Vivo Antibacterial Activity of Salvadora persica (Siwak) against Enterococcus faecalis as Intracanal Medicament

“…This finding was in agreement with the results reported about the usefulness of SPE as endodontic irrigant against E. faecalis [ 32 ]. As well, it was evidenced that S. persica has an inhibitory effect on the growth of the oral pathogen [ 33 ]. The MIC value of SPE was in agreement with those reported for aqueous and methanol extracts of S. persica against E. faecalis [ 34 ] and for Ca(OH) 2 [ 35 ].…”

“…Many studies have been demonstrated that extracts of S. persica possess various antiplaque, antiperiopathic, anticaries, anti-inflammatory, and antimycotic effects [ 11 ]. Extracts of S. persica as intracanal irrigant also proved significant antimicrobial activity on the oral pathogens in both in vitro and in vivo [ 12 – 14 ]. The present in vitro study was designed to assess the effect of an experimental intracanal medicament based on SPE against the most causative bacteria for endodontic pulpitis/periodontitis; E. faecalis .…”

Detection of antibacterial activities of Miswak, Kalonji and Aloe vera against oral pathogens & anti-proliferative activity against cancer cell line

“…A study conducted by Heshama A.E 2016 stated that the beneficial effects of miswak on oral health are due to presence of different important minerals and compounds. The combination of Benzyllisothiocyanate, salvadorine, fluoride, tannins, vitamin C, Silica, chloride and essential oils contribute to the value of miswak [30]. …”

Clinical Effects, Uses and Applications of Miswak (Salvadora Persica) on Oral Health Over the Last Three Decades: A Scoping Review of Literature

“…(120) Evaluated the antimicrobial effects of ethanol, methanol, and ethanol/methanol extracts of miswak S. aureus strain KKU-020, Enterococcus faecalis strain KKU-021 and K. pneumoniae strain KKU-022 of the oral cavity. (44) Miswak extract was found highly significant against fungus like C. albicans (121) Reported zone of inhibitions of 11.33 ± 0.57 mm and 6 ± 0 mm for C. holmii and C. krusei, respectively. (35)…”