salvadora persica root

Salvadora persica root is the underground part of Salvadora persica, a small evergreen tree native to the Middle East, Africa, and India. Commonly known as "miswak," its roots have been traditionally used for oral hygiene as natural toothbrushes and are recommended by the World Health Organization for this purpose[8][6]. The root contains a variety of bioactive compounds including flavonoids, glycosides, sterols (such as β-sitosterol), terpenes, alkaloids (notably benzyl isothiocyanate), sulfur compounds and phenolics[1][4]. These constituents contribute to its broad pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal), anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), antioxidant, antiulcerative, hypolipidemic (lipid-lowering), antidiabetic effects and wound healing properties[1][2][3][5]. The mechanism of action is multifactorial—benzyl isothiocyanate exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens; sterols and flavonoids provide anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects; phenolic compounds contribute to antioxidant activity; other components support metabolic health. Salvadora persica root has also shown potential in experimental models for anticonvulsant activity and possible anticancer effects[1][2].

Brand names

miswak

Other names

arakpeelutoothbrush treemustard treepilujhak