toothbrush tree

Salvadora persica

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Plantae Phylum: Tracheophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Brassicales Family: Salvadoraceae Genus: Salvadora

About

Salvadora persica (arak, Galenia asiatica, meswak, peelu, pīlu, Salvadora indica, or toothbrush tree, mustard tree, mustard bush), is a species of Salvadora. Salvadora persica has antiurolithiatic properties. Used for centuries as a natural toothbrush, its fibrous branches have been promoted by the World Health Organization for oral hygiene use. Research suggests that it contains a number of medically beneficial properties including abrasives, antiseptics, astringent, detergents, enzyme inhibitors, and fluoride.