A comparative study was performed on 12 species of the genus Veronica L. (Plantaginaceae sensu APG 2003, formerly Scrophulariaceae) namely Veronica persica, V. bachofenii, V. urticifolia, V. agrestis, V. austriaca, V. chamaedrys, V. officinalis, V. orchidea, V. spicata, V. beccabunga, V. hederifolia, V. prostrata. In these species we have determined the aucubin and catalpol content by using a H...

Dental caries continues to be a veritable scourge for mankind from time immemorial and prevention still seems to be the best panacea. It is generally accepted that oral hygiene maintenance through regular removal of dental plaque and food deposits is an essential factor in the prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease. Methods for oral hygiene maintenance vary across different countri...

The present investigation attempted to assess the impact of seed pre-treatments on the germination of Crotalaria persica (Burm. f.) Merr and Tephrosia apollinea (L) Pers. Equally important was our investigation to quantitatively compare different germination parameters used for seed germination studies. The results showed that the final germination was highest for both species under chipping (C...

From an ancient tool to a modern way of improving oral health, miswak (chewing stick) has proven to be an effective tool for oral health. The miswak removes the bacterial plaque by mechanical and chemical actions. It provides a cheap and easily accessible way of improving oral health of the individuals and populations. The use of miswak was promoted centuries ago by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be U...

Salvadora persica is commonly used chewing sticks in many parts of the world as an oral hygiene tool. This study measured the amount of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) released into the mouth and assessed its retention time in saliva. The study also tested if the released amount of BITC could potentially be antibacterial or cytotoxic. Twelve subjects brushed their teeth with fresh Miswak once, twi...