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In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial effect of miswak against common oral pathogens
Saima Naseem1, Khursheed Hashmi2, Fatima Fasih3
1Saima Naseem, MBBS, M.Phil, Pathology Department, Dow University of Health Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.
Background And Objective:
Miswak is a natural tooth cleaning tool which is being used in many parts of the world since ancient times. It is known to be useful in prevention of dental caries. But still it is not used as frequently as other oral hygiene tools. This research was designed to scientifically establish antimicrobial effect of miswak in vitro against common oral pathogens.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study involving 100 health care workers. This research was carried out in Microbiology section of Dow Diagnostic Research & Reference Laboratory. A questionnaire was designed to test oral hygiene habits of study subjects. Oral swabs were taken and microorganisms were identified by standard bacteriological methods. Test material included four different types of miswaks i.e. (1) root of the peelu (Salvadora persica) tree (in packing) (2) root of the peelu tree (without packing) (3) stem of the peelu tree & (4) stem of the neem (Azadirechta indica) tree. These miswaks were tested against three different types of microorganisms isolated from oral swabs: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans & Candida albicans by agar diffusion method. Inhibition zone was measured after 24 hrs of incubation at 37(o)C.
Results:
Among the miswaks used, root of the peelu tree in both packing and without packing exhibited strong antimicrobial effect against all three tested microorganisms. However miswak taken from the stem of the peelu and neem tree did not show any antimicrobial activity against all three types of the tested microorganisms.
Conclusion:
Miswak taken from the root of the peelu tree exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the common oral pathogens and could be a good oral hygiene tool in combating dental caries.
Insights
The root of the Salvadora persica tree (miswak) shows significant antimicrobial properties against common oral pathogens, supporting its use for preventing dental caries.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Health
- Natural Products
Background:
- Miswak (Salvadora persica) is a traditional, natural tooth-cleaning tool with known benefits for preventing dental caries.
- Despite its historical use, miswak is not as widely adopted as other oral hygiene methods.
- Scientific validation of miswak's antimicrobial efficacy against prevalent oral pathogens is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To scientifically evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial effect of miswak against common oral pathogens.
- To compare the antimicrobial activity of different parts and preparations of miswak.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 100 healthcare workers was conducted.
- Oral swabs were collected, and microorganisms were identified using standard bacteriological methods.
- Four types of miswak (root and stem of Salvadora persica, stem of Azadirechta indica) were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans using the agar diffusion method.
Main Results:
- The root of the Salvadora persica tree (miswak), both packed and unpacked, demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against all three tested microorganisms.
- Miswak derived from the stem of the Salvadora persica tree and the stem of the Azadirechta indica tree showed no significant antimicrobial activity.
Conclusions:
- Miswak derived from the root of the Salvadora persica tree exhibits significant antimicrobial activity against common oral pathogens.
- This finding supports the potential of Salvadora persica root miswak as an effective oral hygiene tool for combating dental caries.
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