Oral fungal infections represent a significant global health concern, with Candida albicans being the predominant causative agent. Natural antimicrobial agents, particularly from traditional medicinal plants, offer promising alternatives to conventional antifungal therapies. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Salvadora persica (miswak) extracts against selected pathogenic microorganisms. The chemical composition of S. persica stem extracts were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antimicrobial activity was assessed through agar well diffusion assays against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) were determined using broth microdilution methods according to CLSI guidelines. GC-MS analysis revealed 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) as the major component (44.8%), followed by α-caryophyllene (12.37%), β-pinene (6.1%), and caryophyllene oxide (6.34%). The alcoholic extract demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity compared to aqueous extract, with inhibition zones of 19±1.5 mm against E. coli, 15±1.2 mm against S. aureus, and 30±5.1 mm against C. albicans. MIC values ranged from 2.5-10 mg/mL depending on the organism and extract type. The alcoholic extract showed particularly strong antifungal activity against C. albicans (MIC = 2.5 mg/mL). Molecular docking studies showed strong binding affinities (≤-217.5 kJ/mol) between bioactive compounds and β-1,3-glucan. Clinical studies demonstrated significant reduction in microbial colonies, particularly Staphylococcus aureus (from 5±0.1 to 1±0.05), Candida albicans (from 23±2.1 to 12±1.3), and Enterococcus faecalis (from 33±3.2 to 22±1.6) after three weeks of miswak use. Salvadora persica extracts demonstrate significant antimicrobial activity, particularly against C. albicans. These findings support the traditional use of miswak as an effective oral hygiene tool and suggest potential for developing standardized plant-based oral care products.
Salvadora persica, miswak, antimicrobial activity, GC-MS analysis, molecular docking, Candida albicans
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