Salvadora persica
Salvadora persica, commonly known as the toothbrush tree, is a versatile medicinal shrub native to arid regions of Africa and Asia. Renowned for its antimicrobial properties, its twigs are traditionally used for dental hygiene, while various parts offer therapeutic benefits in treating inflammation, digestive issues, and skin conditions.
- Scientific name: Salvadora persica
- Family: Salvadoraceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Brassicales, it is classified under the family Salvadoraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Salvadora and the specific species Salvadora persica.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Brassicales | WCVP |
| Family | Salvadoraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Salvadora | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several regions of the African continent. In Northern Africa, it can be found growing in the territories of Algeria and Egypt. Its presence continues through the North African landscapes of Libya and Morocco. Furthermore, the species extends into West Tropical Africa, specifically within the borders of Burkina. This distribution highlights the plant's ability to thrive in diverse environments across the continent.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mauritania | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Niger | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
Chemicals
Salvadora persica has 45 reported phytochemicals identified across 48 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include benzyl nitrile, flavonoids, polyphenols, 3-pyridine carboxaldehyde, Beta - Sitosterol.
- Total chemicals
- 45
- Scientific sources
- 48
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| benzyl nitrile | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3-pyridine carboxaldehyde | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Beta - Sitosterol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Ca(2+) | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| K(+) | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Na(+) | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| SPE | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Salvadora persica has 19 reported activities identified across 33 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Analgesic, Anticonvulsant.
- Total activities
- 19
- Scientific sources
- 33
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticonvulsant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimycotic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiplaque | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anthelmintic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticaries | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Salvadora persica has 31 reported medicinal uses identified across 33 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include gingivitis, COVID-19, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus acidophilus.
- Total uses
- 31
- Scientific sources
- 33
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| gingivitis | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| COVID-19 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Candida albicans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Escherichia coli | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| SARS-CoV-2 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Streptococcus mutans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cholesterol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dental caries | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |