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

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.

• Authors: Feras Alali, Taha Al-Lafi
• Journal: Natural product research (Nat Prod Res) Vol. 17 Issue 3 Pg. 189-94 (Jun 2003) ISSN: 1478-6419 [Print] England
• PMID: 12737403 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Analgesics
• Oils, Volatile
• Plant Extracts

Topics

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