Salvadora persica

Salvadora persica (Arak, Galenia asiatica, Meswak, Peelu, Pīlu, Salvadora indica, or toothbrush tree), is a species of Salvadora.

Used for centuries as a natural toothbrush, its fibrous branches have been promoted by the World Health Organization for oral hygiene use. Research suggests that it contains a number of medically beneficial properties including abrasives, antiseptics, astringent, detergents, enzyme inhibitors, and fluoride.

Appearance

Salvadora persica is a small tree or shrub with a crooked trunk, seldom more than one foot in diameter. Its bark is scabrous and cracked, whitish with pendulous extremities. The root bark of the tree is similar to sand, and the inner surfaces are an even lighter shade of brown. It has a pleasant fragrance, as well as a warm and pungent taste.

History and use

Salvadora persica is a popular chewing stick throughout the Indian subcontinent, as well as the wider Muslim world.Also commonly referred to as Miswak, many Muslims consider chewing Salvadora persica to be a practice recommended by the Prophet Muhammad.

As of 2009, Botanic Gardens Conservation International has a total of 8 Salvadora persica in conservation.

Scientific analysis

According to chemical and phytochemical analysis of Salvadora persica, there was an occurrence of carbohydrates and/or trimethylamine; an alkaloid which may effectively be salvadorine; chlorides; sulphur; terpenes; vitamin C; glycosides; large amounts of fluoride and silica; small amounts of tannins, saponins, flavonoids and sterols.

Translation

The phrase "Salvadora persica" occurs as such in the following languages: English, Spanish, Italian.

Translation(s) in other languages: Arabic: أراك, German: Zahnbürstenbaum, Hebrew: סלוודורה פרסית.