| Pharmacological Properties of Miswak |
Silica | It acts as an abrasive material to remove plaque and stains from teeth. Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that silica could be used in restorative treatment of sensitive teeth and preventing the onset of tooth decay. Silica has bone-building and bone-protecting properties; improves bone density and bone flexibility; strengthens joints, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues; and hence protects enamel and dentin from unbearable pressure. |
Tannins (Tannic acid) | These have also been reported to exert many physiological effects, such as accelerating blood clotting. They reduce clinically detectable gingivitis as well as Candida albicans counts, plaque, and bleeding. They also reduce blood pressure, decrease the serum lipid level, produce liver necrosis, and modulate immune responses. They act as a universal antidote, with the potency to absorb poison. |
Resin | Resin boosts immunity, increases bone strength, prevents bad breath, provides proactive action against dental caries, t prevents anemia, regulates blood pressure, and is helpful to reduce weight. |
Alkaloids (Salvadorinc) | It provides defense against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and act as an anticancerous, antidepressive, antihypertensive agent. It also stimulates gingiva. |
Essential oil | It possesses an aroma that stimulates the flow of saliva, hence increasing antibacterial action. |
Sulfur | It is essential for strong connective tissue, bones, teeth, skin, hair, and muscles. The natural mineral also helps us metabolize and absorb fat while aiding in blood sugar management. It has bactericidal effects on teeth. |
Vitamin C | It helps ward off infections. It helps in healing tissue repair, reduces bleeding gums, protects from heart attack, and is anti-cancerous. |
Sodium bicarbonate | It acts as a mild abrasive and can be used as dentrifice. It removes germs from sticking on teeth, gums, and tongue, and helps in the whitening of teeth. |
Calcium | It inhibits demineralization and induces remineralization of enamel. |
Fluoride | It provides anti-cariogenic activity and remineralizes enamel. |
Chloride | It inhibits the formation of calculus. |
N-benzyl 2-phenylaceamide | It inhibits human collagen-induced platelet aggregation against E.coli. |
Benzyl isothiocynate | It acts as a chemo-preventive agent, preventing cariogenic and genotoxic compounds. |
Trimethylamide | It has gum-stimulating effects. |
Flavonoids | Natural sources of medicine, and said to be antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, with antioxidant properties, and stimulating the immune system. They bound and seal viruses, stimulating white blood cells and lymphocytes and producing interferon, therefore the stimulating immune system. They disrupt the formation of plaque and thereby prevent yellowing of teeth. |
Saponins | Saponins boost immunity, are said to be anticarcinogenic, decrease blood lipids, and improve glucose response. |
Sterols | Sterols are taken by mouth to lower cholesterol levels and help prevent heart disease and heart attacks. Plant sterols are also used for some cancers such as stomach cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer. Plant sterols are also used for weight loss. |