Estimation of Antimicrobial Properties of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts of Salvadora Persica (Miswak) on Oral Microbial Pathogens - An Invitro Study
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: Medicinal plants are being used since ages because of their considerable antibacterial activity against various microorganisms.Use of such plants for routine cleaning of teeth and treating various oral diseases has long been a part of Indian culture.Salvadora persica, commonly known as Miswak, is a twig that has been used as chewing sticks since centuries for tooth brushing as the only means of oral hygiene practice in some communities [1].Salvadora persica, is a well branched evergreen shrub, usually found in the arid regions of India, often on saline soils.It is believed to have varied usefulness and has been traditionally used for epilepsy, scurvy, cough, rheumatism etc., Studies have reported that extracts of Miswak possess various biological properties, including significant antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-plasmodial effects [2].Stems and roots of the plants are spongy and can easily be crushed between the teeth.Pieces of the root become soft when soaked in water.When used for cleaning teeth, the therapeutic and prophylactic effects of this chewing stick may be due to mechanical cleaning/ the potential release of biologically active chemicals, and/or a combination of both [3].Pharmaceutical companies have now tried to incorporate certain properties of this twig into tooth pastes.Though clinical research and trials have shown promising results on effectiveness of Miswak [4], but some reports are incongruous [5].Hence, the present study was undertaken as a step to assess and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of crude Salvadora persica (Miswak) extracts against the common microbial pathogens causing dental caries and periodontitis. MAterIAls And MethOds I. Preparation of Alcoholic and Aqueous extracts [4]The study was carried out after obtaining clearance from Yenepoya University ethics committee, Mangaluru.Study duration was of one year conducted in 2014-15.Dry twigs of Salvadora Persica were purchased from authorized Ayurvedic medical shop in Mangaluru, Karnataka.The twigs were then powdered using household electric blender.Fifty grams of the plant powder was loaded in the thimble of Soxhlet apparatus.It was fitted with appropriate size round bottom flask with 250 ml absolute ethanol, and upper part was fitted with condenser for alcoholic extract and with water in round bottom flask for water extract.The filtrates were concentrated using a rotary evaporator.The extracts were transferred into clean vials and stored at 4 0 C till further use.The yield from 50 grams of Miswak twigs was seven grams.The aqueous and alcoholic extracts were dissolved in Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) to prepare different concentrations i.e., 200µg/ ml, and 400µg/ml and used for microbial analysis. II. Assessment of Antimicrobial PropertiesCollection & isolation of test organisms Test organisms were collected from patients who visited the Yenopoya dental clinic, Mangalore for treatment.Informed consent was taken from the patients after explaining the study details.Cariogenic organisms were collected by scraping soft caries from carious cavities of affected teeth using excavator and periodontal pathogens from periodontal pockets using paper points.
Author: Salman Siddeeqh
Language: English
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $275
OpenAlex ID: W2529374244