Antibacterial Activity of Methanol Extract of Salvadora Persica (Linn) Stem against Gram-Positive Bacteria Isolated from Oral Infections among the Patients Attending the University Health Clinic of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Abstract

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study presents detailed evaluation of the methanol crude extract of Salvadora persica L. (Miswak) for antibacterial effectiveness specifically against gram-positive bacteria from orally infected individuals. It highlights a significant therapeutic efficacy of the extract, evidenced by inhibition zones of 18-22 mm and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 25 mg/ml, against pathogens with high resistance rates to conventional antibiotics. Additionally, the research provides comprehensive phytochemical profiling of S. persica, contributing valuable insights into its potential as an alternative treatment for oral infections. Full Abstract Salvadora persica L., commonly referred to as Miswak, is a chewing stick commonly used to maintain dental hygiene.  The aim was to determine the antibacterial effectiveness of the methanol crude extract of S. persica against gram-positive bacteria obtained from orally infected individuals who were registered at the University Health Clinic of Ahmadu Bello University.  A total of twenty (20) samples were collected from patients who were diagnosed with oral infections.  These samples underwent traditional biochemical and microbiological testing.  The antibiotic susceptibility test was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, and the findings were interpreted following the CLSI standards.  The extraction of Salvadora persica L. was carried out using cold maceration with methanol.  The crude extract was evaluated using the agar well diffusion and broth dilution techniques.  Phytochemical screens were conducted using established procedures.  The findings revealed that Staphylococcus aureus had the highest prevalence rate of 60%, whereas Streptococcus sp. had a prevalence rate of 10%.  A high level of resistance was detected for amoxicillin (100%), chloramphenicol (85%), ciprofloxacin (60%), ceftriaxone (50%), and gentamycin (47.5%).  The cold maceration extraction process yielded in % crude extract yield of 11.59%.  The phytochemical elements were saponin, tannin, alkaloid, flavonoid, phenol, heart glycoside, carbohydrate, steroid, and terpenoid.  An area of inhibition measuring 18-22mm and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 25mg/ml were employed to detect a significant degree of activity.  The methanolic extract of Salvadora persica L. has shown significant therapeutic efficacy against gram-positive bacteria recovered from orally infected patients.