GC-MS analysis and bioactivity testing of the volatile oil from the leaves of the toothbrush tree Salvadora persica L

Nat Prod Res. 2003 Jun;17(3):189-94. doi: 10.1080/1057563021000040790.

Abstract

Upon GC-MS analysis of the volatile oil extracted from Salvadora persica L. leaves, we were able to identify benzyl nitrile, eugenol, thymol, isothymol, eucalyptol, isoterpinolene, and beta-caryophyllene. Toxicity of the aroma was evaluated using brine shrimp lethality test which gave an LC50 > 1,000 ppm. Using Disc Diffusion Test, it was found that the extract of the leaves has a considerable antibacterial effect on several different oral aerobic bacteria with comparable results to known antibiotics. The extract can be used effectively as a natural tool for teeth cleaning and as a natural analgesic for the disturbing toothache.

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Artemia
  • Bacteria, Aerobic / drug effects
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Lethal Dose 50
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Oils, Volatile / chemistry*
  • Oils, Volatile / pharmacology*
  • Oils, Volatile / toxicity
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / toxicity
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Salvadoraceae / chemistry*
  • Toothache / drug therapy

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Oils, Volatile
  • Plant Extracts