Last modified: 2024-09-18
Abstract
This study investigates the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Green Miswak, Dry Miswak, and a commercial toothpaste. The samples were soaked in 80% methanol for two days, and UV-Visible spectroscopy was employed to assess their total phenolic content. The results indicate a concentration-dependent increase in phenolic content for all samples, with absorbance values ranging from 0.1191 to 0.8801 corresponding to phenolic concentrations of 2 to 12 µg/ml. In addition, antioxidant activity was measured before and after a 30-minute incubation period in a medium designed to mimic the oral cavity environment. The Green Miswak exhibited a percentage inhibition ranging from 39.68% to 52.47%, with a mean absorbance of 0.3373. Dry Miswak showed higher inhibition values, with an average of 57.70% inhibition and a maximum value of 66.36%. In contrast, the toothpaste demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity, with percentage inhibition reaching up to 76.25%. These results suggest that both Green and Dry Miswak, along with toothpaste, have substantial phenolic content and antioxidant properties, with toothpaste showing superior antioxidant performance under the tested conditions. This research highlights the potential of natural and commercial oral care products in contributing to oral antioxidant defense mechanisms.