Salvadora persica L.: Toothbrush tree with health benefits and industrial applications – An updated evidence-based review

Abstract

Salvadora persica L. is also known as Arak (in Arabic) and Peelu (in Urdu). Its frequent use as a toothbrush (miswak) is highly recommended by Prophet Muhammad. With a long history in folk medicine for centuries, S. persica was used in oral hygiene, food, cosmetics, fuel, and even as a medicine. Previous phytochemical investigation of its different parts afforded different classes of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, glycosides, sterols, terpenes, carbohydrates and alkaloids. Organic sulfur-containing compounds and elemental sulfur are also present. In addition, there is a huge research on its biological potentials and industrial applications. Many pharmacological activities were reported experimentally, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, sedative, anticonvulsant, anti-osteoporosis, antidiabetic, hypo-lipidemic, in addition to wound-healing, antidepressant and antitumor activities. Recently, a possible activity against COVID-19 protease was documented by molecular docking. This review tries to provide a recent detailed documentation of folk and modern uses of S. persica, focusing on the possible relations between its chemical constituents, pharmacological properties, and industrial applications. Moreover, a brief about recent analytical and validation methods for the major antimicrobial component is reported.

HPLC/MSn Profiling and Healing Activity of a Muco-Adhesive Formula of Salvadora persica against Acetic Acid-Induced Oral Ulcer in Rats

“…Salvadora persica L. Salvadoraceae (Siwak, S. persica ) is a plant that has been used for many centuries as an oral hygiene tool, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Using Siwak (tooth stick) to clean the mouth is a well-established Islamic belief [ 21 ]. S. persica has been shown to have anti-gingivitis, anti-plaque and anti-cariogenic properties; gingival wound healing property; whitening capability; orthodontic chain preservation capability; and biocompatibility with oral cells in many investigations.…”

“…S. persica in various forms has helped manage and treat oral health [ 22 ]. Comprehensive phytochemical investigations have revealed the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, terpenes, sterols, alkaloids, glycosides, organic sulphur compounds, elemental sulphur and small amounts of fluoride, calcium, phosphorus, silica and ascorbic acid [ 21 , 23 ].…”

Phytochemical profiling of Azima tetracantha Lam. leaf methanol extract and elucidation of its potential as a chain-breaking antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative agent

“…Salvadoraceae family comprises of some important biological active plants such as Salvadora persica that are known for their antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo ( Kumari and Parida, 2016 , Mohamed and Khan, 2013 ). Likewise, some other plants belonging to this family are also known for their anti-proliferative activity in multiple cancer cells ( Al Bratty et al, 2020 , Farag et al, 2021 ). Azima tetracantha is a plant belonging to this family which is less studied as a dietary supplement ( Sunil et al, 2013 ), despite its wide applications in traditional medicinal systems.…”

Salvadora persica’s Biological Properties and Applications in Different Dental Specialties: A Narrative Review

“…It is widely used by several populations worldwide, more frequently by Muslims. This has attracted our attention with regard to carrying out phytochemical and biological studies on the extracts and isolated compounds from S. persica as part of efforts to explore therapeutic agents from local plants [ 8 ]. Locally, it has great popularity, as shown in the survey by Sher et al in 2011 [ 9 ].…”

“…In addition, S. persica has a long history of use as a medicine by many ethnic groups, particularly in Africa and Asia. All parts of the plant, including the flowers, fruits, leaves, bark, seeds, stems, and roots, have been used to treat many disorders related to various physiological systems in human beings including the circulatory, motor, excretory, and digestive systems [ 8 ].…”