title: Estimation of Antimicrobial Properties of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts ofSalvadora Persica(Miswak) on Oral Microbial Pathogens - AnInvitroStudy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Twigs ofSalvadora persica(Miswak) plant are being used as a means of oral hygiene since ages for brushing teeth. Though clinical research and trials have shown promising results on effectiveness of Miswak, but some reports are conflicting.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of crude aqueous and alcoholic extracts ofSalvadora persica(Miswak) against the common microbial pathogens causing dental caries and periodontitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective study of one year duration was conducted in Yenopoya dental and medical college, Mangalore. The twigs ofSalvadora persicawere collected and alcoholic and aqueous extracts were prepared using standard techniques. The antimicrobial properties of the extracts against common oral pathogens likeStreptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Candida albicans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Prevotella intermedia, & Peptostreptococcuswere performed by agar well diffusion method and two fold broth dilution method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant results was obtained when water extracts ofSalvadora persicawas tested except for minimum inhibitory effect againstStreptococcus mutans, Prevotella intermedia & PeptostreptococcusandCandida albicans. Relatively significant inhibitory effect was noted with respect to alcoholic extract ofSalvadora persica.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although comparatively less than chlorhexidine which is a known antimicrobial agent, the alcoholic extracts ofSalvadora persicashowed antimicrobial effect against the common microbial pathogens causing dental caries and periodontitis indicating a potential beneficial effect of this plant. However, further research with more standardized extraction procedure and advanced techniques is required to find out the exact chemicals responsible for the antimicrobial properties of the plant extract.
authors: Assistant Professor, Department Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Century Dental College , Kasargod, Kerala, India .
authors: Salman
authors: S
authors: Siddeeqh
authors: Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangaluru, Manipal University , Manipal, Karnataka, India .
authors: Amrita
authors: A
authors: Parida
authors: Professor and Head, Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Yenepoya Dental College , Mangaluru, Karnataka, India .
authors: Maji
authors: M
authors: Jose
authors: Professor and Head, Department of Microbiology, Yenepoya Medical College , Mangaluru, Karnataka, India .
authors: Vidya
authors: V
authors: Pai
keywords: Oral hygiene; Phytotherapy; Plant extracts