Pilu
Salvadora persica
Pilu (Salvadora persica) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Benzyl isothiocyanate is rapidly absorbed from GI tract but also rapidly metabolized. Fluoride content (natural) in stems provides topical dental mineralization effect. Chloride ions in extract enhance salivary production locally.
| Botanical name | Salvadora persica |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. V: PILUH (Fruit) |
| Also called | Salvadora oleoides Decne. (regional usage) |
| Family | Salvadoraceae |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 5580727 · Wikidata Q143525 · NCBI Taxonomy 4326 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Pilu |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Katu, Tikta | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu, Tikshna | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (bark/fruit powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Datun (chewing stick), Toothpaste/powder, Taila
Standard Dosage: 2-4 g bark powder daily; 15-20 mL decoction twice daily; 500-750 mg standardized extract twice daily; dental use as needed
Bioavailability: Salvadorine and other alkaloids from Salvadora persica (Pilu/Miswak) show moderate oral bioavailability (25-40%). Benzyl isothiocyanate is rapidly absorbed from GI tract but also rapidly metabolized. Fluoride content (natural) in stems provides topical dental mineralization effect. Chloride ions in extract enhance salivary production locally. Systemic absorption from chewing stick use is minimal but sufficient for dental benefits.
Optimal Timing: Chewing stick: morning before meals (traditional dental hygiene). Oral supplements: after meals. Toothpaste/powder: twice daily brushing.
Standardized Extract: Salvadora persica bark extract (8:1) standardized to salvadorine >1%, total isothiocyanates >0.5%, fluoride content documented. Stem aqueous extract for dental formulations with validated antimicrobial activity (MIC testing).
Shelf Life: Fresh chewing sticks: 1-2 weeks at ambient; Dried bark powder: 18-24 months; Extract: 24 months; Toothpaste: 24-36 months
Storage: Fresh sticks: cool, moist environment to prevent drying. Dried material: airtight containers, below 25 deg C, RH <50%. Volatile-containing extracts: sealed, amber containers, cool storage.
Marker Compounds: Salvadorine, Benzyl isothiocyanate, Salvadourea, Fluoride, Chloride, Silica, Beta-sitosterol, Trimethylamine
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous extraction of bark/root
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Steam distillation for volatile fraction
- Cold press of fruit for oil
- Water extraction of stem for dental preparations
- Methanol extraction for alkaloid profiling
Synergistic Combinations
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