Salvadora persica (Miswak / Toothbrush Tree)

Salvadora persica (Miswak) is not consumed as a dietary food source but contains bioactive compounds relevant to its medicinal and oral health applications. Moisture content approximately 60-80% in fresh stems. Crude fiber: 4-20% dry weight, contributing to its mechanical cleansing action. Protein content: approximately 7-10% dry weight. Ash content: 9-13% dry weight indicating high mineral concentration. Key minerals: Chloride (0.5-1.0 mg/g), Fluoride (0.1-0.4 mg/g supporting enamel remineralization), Silica (0.5 mg/g acting as abrasive agent), Calcium (approximately 17 mg/100g), Potassium (significant concentrations supporting antimicrobial activity), Sodium, and Phosphorus. Bioactive compounds include: Benzyl isothiocyanate (primary antibacterial agent, 0.3-1.5% of essential oil), salvadourea, trimethylamine, and benzylamine (contributing to alkaline pH ~8-9 inhibiting bacterial growth). Alkaloids including salvadorine. Saponins (approximately 1.5-3% dry weight) producing natural foaming/cleansing action. Tannins (approximately 0.5-1.2% dry weight) providing astringent and antimicrobial properties. Flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol derivatives at trace to moderate levels (50-200 mg/100g dry weight estimated). Resins and sterols present. Sulfur compounds contribute to its broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Volatile oils: 0.5-1.5% including camphor traces. Bioavailability note: These compounds are delivered topically through chewing rather than systemic ingestion, so oral mucosal absorption is the primary route rather than gastrointestinal bioavailability.