A review: nutrition and oral-dental health, phytochemical content, biological activity of Salvadora persica (Miswak)

Abstract

Plants have been widely used by humans since ancient times. They serve different purposes, especially shelter, heating, nutrition, war, equipment and medicine. Nowadays, they are widely used especially in the fight against diseases. In this context, in this study, the biological activities and health effects of Salvadora persica L. reported in the literature were compiled. S. persica is known by names such as miswak, koyoji, qesam, qisa and mastic. It is a multi-branched shrub or small tree that is two to three meters tall and has edible fruit. As a result of literature research, it has been seen that the plant has purposes such as health care and nutrition source. In addition, it has been shown in the literature that it has biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant activity. The most common and highly abundant compounds in the root, twigs, and leaves of S. persica were found to be benzyl isothiocyanate, benzyl nitrile, 1,8-cineol, butylated  hydroxytoluene, isothiocyanatomethyl-benzene, and (2E)-hexenal. As a result, it is thought that S. persica can be used as a natural protective agent in terms of both its usage areas and biological activities.