Persica Extract Research Articles

Peach (Prunus persica) extract inhibits angiotensin II-induced signal transduction in vascular smooth muscle cells

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a vasoactive hormone that has been implicated in cardiovascular diseases. Here, the effect of peach, Prunus persica L. Batsch, pulp extract on Ang II-induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and signal transduction events in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was investigated. Pretreatment of peach ethyl acetate extract inhibited Ang II-induced intracellular Ca2+ elevation in VSMCs. Furthermore, Ang II-induced ROS generation, essential for signal transduction events, was diminished by the peach ethyl acetate extract. The peach ethyl acetate extract also attenuated the Ang II-induced phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor and myosin phosphatase target subunit 1, both of which are associated with atherosclerosis and hypertension. These results suggest that peach ethyl acetate extract may have clinical potential for preventing cardiovascular diseases by interfering with Ang II-induced intracellular Ca2+ elevation, the generation of ROS, and then blocking signal transduction events.

Stereological study of the effects of orally administrated Otostegia persica extract on pancreatic beta cells in male diabetic rats

Otostegia persica extract was used as a traditional medicine for the management of diabetes mellitus in humans in some parts of Iran. This study investigated the effects of O. persica oral extract on pancreatic beta cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by stereological methods. Thirty-two matured normoglycemic male Sprague–Dawley rats, weighing 180–220 g, were selected and randomly divided into four groups: Control group consists of normal rats which did not receive the extract during the study. Diabetic group comprises diabetic rats but did not receive any extract. Treated control group rats were normal but received the extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg/day. Treated diabetic group (TD) was made up of diabetic rats and received the extract (500 mg/kg/day). Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin. After 1 month, all the rats received deep anesthesia with ether, and then, the pancreas was dissected and processed. Isotropic uniform and random sections were obtained by orientator method. Volume of pancreatic beta cells and also volume density of pancreatic island were studied, using stereologic and ultrastereological methods. Blood glucose level (BGL) and blood insulin level (BIL) were measured in different phases during the investigation. Statistical analysis by one-way analysis of variance test showed the presence of hypertrophic changes in the volume of the remaining beta cells in diabetic group, not in the controls. But such changes reduced significantly (P < 0.05) in the TD group which received the extract. Also, a significant reduction in pancreatic islet volume in diabetic and TD groups was seen, in comparison with the controls (P < 0.01). BGL decreased significantly in TD group, compared to the diabetic group (P < 0.001). BIL decreased in diabetic and TD groups in comparison to the controls (P < 0.05). This study demonstrated that O. persica oral extract can play an effective role in the management of diabetes and probably by controlling the hyperglycemic condition and not stimulating the beta cell to increase insulin secretion can help prevent to a large extent the entering of the remaining beta cells to some pathologic changes, like hypertrophy.

Comparative Study of In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Miswak Extracts and Different Toothpastes

This study determines the antimicrobial efficacy of miswak (aqueous and alcoholic) extracts comparing with five different toothpastes, which are available in Iraqi market, against different kinds of bacteria. The antibacterial efficacy of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Salvadora persica and different kinds of toothpastes was studied against different cariogenic and pathogenic bacteria including Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by well diffusion method. Salvodora persica extracts and toothpastes exhibited the greatest antimicrobial activities towards Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively. Alcoholic extract was dominant on aqueous extract in inhibiting the tested microorganisms. Toothpastes A were dominant comparing with the other toothpastes in inhibiting the tested microorganisms. The impact of toothpastes was almost more than Salvodora persica extracts on tested microorganisms. According to the good efficacy of Salvodora persica extracts on the tested microorganisms, it has antibacterial effects and could be used as a therapeutic agent and therefore, it appears to be a potent antimicrobial agents that could be considered as a medicinal plant.

Effect of Salvadora Persica Extracts on Titanium Alloy Surface Topography

Effect of Salvadora Persica Extracts on Titanium Alloy Surface Topography

Anti-diabetic effect of Otostegia persica extract on diabetic rats

th day of experiment in the T400 group, the serum triglycerides, and homeostasis model assessments for insulin resistance (HOMA.IR) were decreased comparing to the DC group. Histopathological images showed the decrease in mass and number of β- cells of pancreases in the T400 comparing to the DC group at the end of study. Therefore O. persica could be considered as medicinal herbal candidate for remedy of diabetes.

The efficacy of Salvadora persica extract in the elimination of the intracanal smear layer: A SEM study

To evaluate the efficacy of an ethanolic Salvadora persica extract in removing the smear layer following a root canal procedure. Sixty extracted, single-rooted human teeth were cleaned, shaped, and divided into four groups. Experimental groups 1 (n=20) and 2 (n=20) were irrigated with 1mg/ml and 5mg/ml of S. persica, respectively. The positive controls (n=10) were irrigated with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), while the negative controls (n=10) were irrigated with saline. Approximately 5ml of the irrigating solution was delivered into the root canals for 5min, and the final rinse was performed with 5ml of 1% sodium hypochlorite. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the endodontic smear layer removal at the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the specimens. A significant difference in smear layer removal between groups 1 and 2 at the coronal and middle thirds of the canal was observed, and no significant difference was seen between group 2 and the positive control at the coronal third. At the apical third, both concentrations of S. persica had similar effects and were less effective than the positive control in removing the smear layer. The 5mg/ml S. persica solution was significantly more effective than the 1mg/ml solution. In addition, the 5mg/ml S. persica solution was as effective as 17% EDTA in removing the smear layer from the coronal third of the canal wall.

In vitro Antimicrobial Comparison of Chlorhexidine, Persica Mouthwash and Miswak Extract

Herbal mouthwashes, such as persica (Salvadora persica, mint and yarrow extracts) and miswak extract have been shown to decrease gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation. The aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial activities of persica and miswak extract with the conventional mouthwash chlorhexidine against Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguis, Lactobacillus vulgaris and Candida albicans. In this in vitro study, blood-agar culture (Merk, Germany) was used to grow the streptococcus strains, saburd-dextrose culture (Merk, Germany) was used to grow C. albicans and MRS-agar was used to grow L. vulgaris. Various concentrations of these substances (0.1, 0.05 and 0.025% of miswak extract, 0.1, 0.05, 0.025 and 0.0125% of persica, 0.2, 0.1, 0.05 and 0.025% of chlorhexidine) were added to paper disks, separately, inserted into culture plates and transferred into the incubator. The inhibition zone around each disk was measured after 24 hours and the data was analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test. Chlorhexidine possessed antibacterial activity at all concentrations tested. It was more effective than persica and miswak at all concentrations on S. salivarius (p = 0.022 for 0.1%, 0.009 for 0.05 and 0.025%). It had greater effect than the other two tested material on S.sanguis only at concentration 0.01%. Chlorhexidine was the most effective against S.salivarius; persica was the most effective against Lactobacillus (p = 0.005) and the least effective against S. salivarius; and miswak extract was the most effective against S. salivarius and S. sanguis at concentrations 0.1 and 0.05% (p = 0.005) and ineffective against L. vulgaris. None of these mouthwashes were effective against C. albicans. This study revealed that chlorhexidine remains the gold standard as an antimicrobial agent, although herbal based mouthwashes do have marginal antimicrobial activities. It is necessary to conduct more clinical and microbiological studies focusing on periodontal pathogens and anaerobic microorganisms. Mechanical plaque control is the main way for periodontal disease prevention and mouthrinses are used to improve its efficacy. Based on the results of this study, chlorhexidine has the most antibacterial effect and although persica mouthwash and miswak are routinely used in some Asian countries their antibacterial efficacies are suspected.

Anti-biofilm activity of Salvadora persica on cariogenic isolates of Streptococcus mutans: in vitro and molecular docking studies

Salvadora persica sticks are used for chewing and oral-hygiene measures worldwide. The growth inhibition and anti-biofilm effects of various extracts on cariogenic Streptococcus mutans isolates were evaluated. Biofilm inhibition, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses for phytochemicals and their possible mode of interaction with biofilm response regulators were revealed using LigandFit docking protocols. All S. persica extracts showed considerable inhibitory activity and the cariogenic S. mutans showed varied susceptibility when compared with controls. The percentage reduction in biofilm inhibition obtained for methanol, ethanol, chloroform, acetone, and aqueous extracts were 87.92%, 85.75%, 72.44%, 61.66% and 58.68%, respectively. GC–MS analyses revealed >28 compounds, of which benzyl (6Z,9Z,12Z)-6,9,12-octadecatrienoate, 3-benzyloxy-1-nitro-butan-2-ol and 1,3-cyclohexane dicarbohydrazide interacted efficiently with the bacterial communication quorum-sensing (QS) regulators Streptococcus OmpP and Staphylococcus Lux proteins. The bioactive, dual-function, anti-biofilm agents in S. persica not only inhibit growth, but also control the colonization and accumulation of caries-causing S. mutans.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Salvadora persica L. against Carrageenan Induced Paw Oedema in Rat Relevant to Inflammatory Cytokines

In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous alcoholic crude extract and ethyl acetate extract of miswak sticks (Salvadora persica L.) was investigated in carrageenan induced rat paw oedema in respect to immunological parameters. Adult male sapargue dawely rats were classified into four groups, group I received the vehicle (0.25% gum acacia solution), group II received crude aqueous alcoholic extract orally at 100 mg/kg, group III received ethyl acetate extract (100 mg/kg) orally and group IV received indomethacin (20 mg/kg) orally, and served as standard reference. The oedema was quantified by measuring the hind paw thickness immediately before subplantar injection, and at 1, 2, 3 and 4 h. Blood samples were withdrawn after the 4th hour of carrageenan induction, centrifuged and sera were used for analysis of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Administration of aqueous alcoholic extract and ethyl acetate extract (100 mg/ml) significantly reduced the oedema thickness in a time dependent manner, the inhibition percentage of inflammation was 17% for crude extract and 27% for ethyl acetate extract. Also the two extracts reduced secretion of inflammatory mediators, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor nercrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in serum. The ethyl acetate extract shows potent activity to be nearly the same of indomethacin activity on all determined parameters at the last hour of following up. These results may be due to the presence of flavonoids in ethyl acetate extract. Three major flavonoids were isolated from ethyl acetate extract and identified as apigenin rhamnoglucoside, luteolin glucoside and rutin. The experimental study revealed that Salvadora persica extracts display remarkable anti-inflammatory activity.

Antibacterial, anticandidal and antioxidant activities of Salvadora persica and Juglans regia L. extracts

Salvadora persica and Juglans regia L. are traditionally used for the treatment of oral infections. The anticandidal; antibacterial and antioxidant activities of diluted acetone extract of S. persica (dry stems) and ethyl acetate extract of Tunisian Juglans regia L. bark were tested. The chemical composition of the volatile oil of the stems of S. persica was also investigated. The essential oil of S. persica stems was rich on benzyl isothiocyanate (52.5%) and benzyl nitrile (38.3%). Comparatively to the diluted acetone extract of S. persica , ethyl acetate extract of walnut’s bark was more effective against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and the different species of Candida tested in the present work. Similarly, the walnut extract was rich on phenols (34.833 mg GAE.g -1 DW) and tannins (16.167 mg EC.g -1 DW) comparatively to the arak extract (0.443 mg GAE.g -1 DW and 0.39 mg EC.g -1 DW, respectively). The walnut extract displayed the highest DPPH scavenging ability with the lowest IC 50 value (IC 50 , 3 µg/ml), a high capacity to quench superoxide (IC 50 : 70 μg.ml -1 ), the greater reducing power and bleaching of βcarotene (EC 50 , 99 μg.ml -1 and IC 50 , 280 µg.ml -1 , respectively) as compared to S. persica extract. These findings support the interest of S. persica and especially walnut bark and their possible use in the developing countries due to their inexpensive cost in order to maintain oral hygiene and as a source of new antioxidant compounds.

Influence of salvadora persica (miswak) extract on physical and antimicrobial properties of glass ionomer cement

To investigate physical and antimicrobial properties of Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) combined with Salvadora Persica Extract (SPE). SPE was added to GIC (Fuji IX) in concentrations of 1%, 2% and 4% w/w. The compressive strength and diametral tensile strength were measured at 1 h, 24 h and 7 days. The antimicrobial effect was tested in agar dilution assay in blood agar plates with Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus salivarius and Actinomyces naeslundii as test organisms. GIC containing 5% chlorhexidine served as positive control. Significant differences were found for the compressive strength and diametral tensile strength as a result of adding SPE to GIC (p<0.05). GIC with 2 or 4 % SPE was significantly weaker than the GIC control, while GIC with 1% SPE was not different from the control. The mean values for the 4% SPE-containing specimens and the GIC control group ranged from 108.7MPa to 141.1MPa for CS and from 8.2MPa to 12.5MPa for DTS. The 1% SPE-containing specimens were not different in physical properties compared to the control GIC specimens; the 2% SPE-containing specimens were statistically slightly less strong (p<0.05), but within an acceptable range. As compared with pure GIC the antimicrobial properties of the SPE-containing specimens were increased significantly (p<0.01). It has been found up to a 2-fold increased inhibition compared to the GIC with increasing concentrations of SPE. For most microorganisms tested the SPE group inhibited less than Chlorhexidine, but significantly better than pure GIC (p<0.01). SPE could be a promising natural material as an additive to GICs. Further studies should include in vivo tests and other antimicrobial and physical properties of this combination.

Molecular Screening of Anti-quorum Sensing Capability of Salvadora Persica on Enterococcus Faecalis

Quorum sensing (QS) refers to the phenomenon characterized by the accumulation of signaling molecules enabling a cell to sense a bacterial population triggering a coordinated response. Enterococcus faecalis is a resistant microorganism commonly found in oral infections. Salvadora persica has been traditionally used in Middle East countries to clean the teeth due to its antimicrobial activity. The study investigated the anti-quorum sensing (AQS) ability of S. persica extracts on E. faecalis. Extracts from the bark, leaves, root and shoots were tested against Chromobacterium violaceum. AQS ability was determined using differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) and elastolytic assay to detect the level of protease and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) to detect cytolysin (cylR1) and gelatinase (gelE) virulence factors. Preliminary disk diffusion assays revealed AQS activity by inhibiting violacein pigment production in C. violaceum without affecting its growth. Furthermore, only negligible amount of proteases was detected in DSF and elastolytic assays. CylR1 and gelE gene expression revealed no detectable signals even from the lowest possible threshold. The results indicate that S. persica has AQS ability against E. faecalis. S. persica extract can be used as alternative or in combination with other anti-microbial agents against infections caused by E. faecalis.

Comparison antibacterial activity of Quercus persica and Quercus ilex

Plants extracts has been used in traditional medicine for many years. The use of them has the least side effects in comprison to the synthetic drugs. The aim of this study was investigation and comparision of biological active components of Quercus persica and Quercus ilex. Sampling was done from Quercus persica and Quercus ilex stands. The antibacterial activity was assayed against Psuodomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia and Eschechia coli in aqueous, ethanol, acetone and hexane extracts of leaves by means of agar diffusion method in nutrient agaar. Bacteria were incubated at 37°C and the inhibition zone was measured. Aquaous and hexane extracts did not show antibacterial activity but ethanol and acetone extracts of Quercus persica and acetone extracts of Quercus ilex had antibacterial activity. The inhibition zone for Klebsiella pneumonia Eschechia coli and Psuodomonas aeruginosa of ethanol and acetone extract of Quercus persica were 11, 10, and 14 mm and 8.5, 12 and 15 mm, respectively. The inhibition zone for acetone extract of Quercus ilex against Klebsiella pneumonia Eschechia coli and Psuodomonas aeruginosa were 10, 10 and 18 mm, respectively. Results indicate that some species such as Quercus that seem to be useless have many biologically active components. Comparison between two species shows that endemic species (Quercus persica) are more active than nonendemic species (Quercus ilex).

The effect of Ferula persica on modulation of withdrawal syndrome sign in morphine-dependent mice

Tolerance and dependence are two main problems that have limited morphine administration. There are several reports on the effect of some medicinal plants on morphine-induced tolerance and dependence. In this study we investigated the effect of Ferula persica (FP) extract on modulation of withdrawal syndrome sign (WSS). For this purpose, male Albino mice (25-30 g, n=30) were used. Morphine was used to produce drug dependency according to Marshall method. The criteria for measuring intensity of morphine dependency were number of jumping and weight loss. Test groups received extract of FP at two doses (i.p.) and control group received vehicle (i.p.) 10 min before injection of naloxone for assessment of WSS. The results showed that FP extract significantly modulates withdrawal syndrome signs only for weight loss and not for number of jumping in morphine-dependent mice (P

Anti-diabetic effect of orally administered Otostegia persica extract on streptozotocin diabetic rats

Anti-diabetic effect of the alcoholic extract of Otostegia persica was investigated on 40 streptozotocin diabetic rats in four equal groups. Animals in the first group did not receive any extract and acted as a control for the other groups. Rats in group II, III, and IV received a daily oral dose of O. persica extract at 200, 350, and 500 mg/kg, respectively, for 3 weeks. Blood glucose level was estimated three times a day (8:00 and 11:00 am and 5:30 pm) in all groups. Statistical analysis of the results by t test showed that the extract produced a dose-dependent decrease in the blood glucose level especially in the fourth group (p < 0.0001) in comparison the control group. Thus, study indicates that O. persica has a strong anti-diabetic action and can decrease blood glucose levels.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of Miswak extracts against some oral pathogenic isolates

Background and objective: Siwak, Miswak, or Arak (Salvadora persica ) belongs to Salvadoraceae and is considered as the most widely used twigs since early times by Babylonians some 7000 years ago, it was later used throughout the Greek and Roman empires, and has also been used by ancient Egyptians and Muslims. The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial activities of different extracts of Siwak on the growth of different oral isolates of Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aerus and Candida albicans. Methods: Experiments were conducted in the laboratories of the College of Science, University of Salahaddin and College of Dentistry, Hawler Medical University for a period from Jun. 2008 to Feb. 2009, to determine the effects of different Siwak (Salvadora persica) extracts at concentrations of 500, 1000, 5000 and 10000 µg/ ml on the growth of different oral isolates of Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Results: The results showed that all Siwak extracts (especially Siwak aqueous extract) were effective against Streptococcus mutans. and Staphylococcus aureus. The strongest antibacterial activity was observed using the concentrations of 10000 µg/ ml. While Siwak extracts were ineffective against Candida albicans. Conclusion: Siwak extracts had significant antibacterial effect against Streptococcus mutans. and Staphylococcus aureus, and ineffective against Candida albicans.

Salvadora Persica extract chewing gum and gingival health: Improvement of gingival and probe-bleeding index

Previous studies showed that Persica extracts have antibacterial activity against cariogenic and periodontopathic bacteria and can develop periodontal health; however, the clinical effects of gum as a delivery device for Persica to periodontal health in human, have not yet been investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of chewing gum containing Persica extract on periodontal health in a double-masked, randomized trial. From a high school in Babol, 72 cases with plaque induced moderate gingivitis were randomly assigned to the 2 weeks trial in the following groups: S+/P+ (n = 18): use of Persica extract chewing gum for 2 weeks and two sessions of scaling; S+/P- (n = 18): use of placebo chewing gum two sessions of scaling; S-/P+ (n = 18): use of Persica extract chewing gum; and S-/P- (n = 18): use of placebo chewing gum. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and bleeding index (BI), were measured at days 0, 7, and 14. Data was analyzed with t test or Mann-Whitney U test. Seven patients from Persica scaling group and five patients from Persica no scaling (S-/P+) group were excluded for complaining about the taste and irritation. The effects of extract chewing gum was statistically significant in reduction of GI, and BI but not for PI in Persica groups compared with the placebo groups in the days of 7 and 14 after the beginning of trial. Persica extract chewing gum had a considerable effect on GI, and BI. The use of Salvadora persica extract chewing gum may promote periodontal health.

Comparison of effectiveness of Salvadora Persica whitening toothpaste with commercial whitening toothpaste at removing stain

The miswak, a traditional chewing stick for cleaning teeth, is made from the plant Salvadora persica. It contains a wide range of healthy components in maintaining good oral hygiene. The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of whitening toothpaste containing Salvadora persica extract at removing tea and chlorhexidine stain by comparing with one of commercially available whitening toothpaste and drinking water as a control group. A randomized experimental study was done. The standard method cycled clear acrylic specimens through artificial saliva, 0.2% chlorhexidine and tea on the hour 8 times per day and stain were measured using a spectrophotometer to achieve baseline reading. Test interventions were 2 whitening kinds of toothpaste; whitening toothpaste containing Salvadora persica extract (group A), commercial whitening toothpaste (group B) and drinking water as a control group (group C). Treatment interventions were done at 09:00 and 16:00 by exposing the specimens to slurries of each treatment for 2 minutes. The specimens remained in the artificial saliva between each cycles day and night. At the end of the day, the stain was assessed by spectrophotometer and Lobene Stain Index. The comparison of total stain removal assessed by spectrophotometer on day 5 between all groups was significant (p=0.007). The median of total stain removal and visual assessment recording using Lobene stain index showed Salvadora persica whitening toothpaste scored more reduction of staining followed by commercial whitening toothpaste and then control group. As a conclusion, the whitening toothpaste containing Salvadora persica is more effective at removing tea and chlorhexidine stain.

Volatile Compounds in Crude Salvadora persica Extracts

Miswak is a widely used chewing stick in Middle Eastern and African cultures that is prepared from twigs and roots of the plant Salvadora persica L. It has been reported to inhibit dental diseases. Crude extracts of S. persica twigs and roots have demonstrated in vitro antimicrobial effects. The aim of the present study was to study the chemical composition of such extracts. Chloroform and ethanol Soxhlet extracts were investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in order to identify volatile organic components. This study is the first to report the presence of oleic, linolic and stearic acids in this plant. This work has led to the identification of a variety of low molecular weight compounds most of which are simple secondary metabolites. Among the compounds identified are esters of fatty acids and of aromatic acids, and some terpenoids. Storage of S. persica twigs for two years prior to extraction did not seem to affect the result of the chemical analysis greatly.

The Effect of Salvadora Persica Extract (Miswak) and Chlorahexidine Gluconate on Human Dentin: A SEM Study

Bacterial plaque is solely responsible for the initiation and progression of periodontal diseases. There are different mechanical and chemical methods available for the maintenance of oral health through plaque control. Toothbrushes and miswak (chewing sticks) are widely used for the mechanical removal of plaque. Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) is one of the best-proven anti-plaque agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CHX and miswak extract on healthy and periodontally involved human dentin. Sixteen human premolars recently extracted for orthodontic and periodontal reasons were used in the study. Teeth were free from caries, cervical restorations, or erosions. The dentin disc specimens were prepared and half of them were etched with 6% citric acid for 120 sec. Both etched and unetched were further treated with CHX and 50% miswak extract and prepared for Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) examination. It was concluded that CHX 0.2% and miswak extract 50% had a similar effect on dentin in the control group. Miswak extract removed more smear layer as compared to CHX. Further research is needed in vivo to compare the effects of CHX and miswak extract on periodontally involved teeth and teeth with dentinal hypersensitivity.