Kaviwala Rashid, Patel Bhumitkumar and Ingalhalli Rajashekhar
ABSTRACT
Plantâ€derived medicines have been a part of our traditional health care system, and the antimicrobial properties of plant derived compounds are well documented. Herbal medicines are more effective and less harmful, as they have negligible side effects. They exhibit low mammalian toxicity and can be handled easily. Salvadora persica L. of the family Salvadoraceae is an evergreen shrub, 4-6 m tall with a short trunk, white bark and smooth green leaves. In Indian subcontinent this family is represented by only one genus with two species viz. S. persica and S. oleoides. The popular chewing stick commonly known as ‘miswak’ is prepared from younger branches S.persica and has been used for teeth cleaning since ancient times. Further, it is also considered as one of the most popular medicinal plants throughout the Indian subcontinent, as well as the wider Muslim world. In addition to its well known oral health properties, the different parts of the plant exhibit different properties and treat many other ailments. We have tried here to collect and compile as much information as possible from reliable sources.
Keywords: S. persica, Oral Health, Meswak