Antimicrobial Effects of (Miswak Stick) Salvadora persica Extracts Against Oral Harmful Bacteria

Abstract

Salvadora persica, a traditional medicinal plant, has been used for centuries to prevent and treat oral diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial activity of Salvadora persica stem bark extracts against oral bacterial pathogens. The methanol and aqueous extracts of Salvadora persica stem bark were analyzed for their phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial activity using the disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were also determined. The results showed that both extracts contained various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, and reducing sugars. The methanol extract exhibited stronger antimicrobial activity compared to the aqueous extract, with MIC values ranging from 100 to 300 mg/ml and MBC values ranging from 150 to 400 mg/ml. The study suggests that Salvadora persica stem bark, particularly its methanol extract, has potential as a natural antimicrobial agent against oral pathogens, warranting further research into its clinical applications.