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.