In vitro antimicrobial activity of Miswak extracts against some oral pathogenic isolates

Siwak, Miswak, or Arak [Salvadora persica] belongs to Salvadoraceae and is considered as the most widely used twigs since early times by Babylonians some 7000 years ago, it was later used throughout the Greek and Roman empires, and has also been used by ancient Egyptians and Muslims. The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial activities of different extracts of Siwak on the growth of different oral isolates of Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aerus and Candida albicans. Experiments were conducted in the laboratories of the College of Science, University of Salahaddin and College of Dentistry, Hawler Medical University for a period from Jun. 2008 to Feb. 2009, to determine the effects of different Siwak [Salvadora persica] extracts at concentrations of 500, 1000, 5000 and 10000 g/ ml on the growth of different oral isolates of Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The results showed that all Siwak extracts [especially Siwak aqueous extract] were effective against Streptococcus mutans, and Staphylococcus aureus. The strongest antibacterial activity was observed using the concentrations of 10000 g/ ml. While Siwak extracts were ineffective against Candida albicans. Siwak extracts had significant antibacterial effect against Streptococcus mutans, and Staphylococcus aureus, and ineffective against Candida albicans

Biofertilization of squash plants grown in sulphur rectified sandy soil with Streptomyces venezuelae Mutant and/or thiobacillus thiooxidans

The efficiency of a Streptomyces venezuelae mutant [SVM] and Thiobacillus thiooxidans [SOB] in oxidizing elemental sulfur in soil and the further consequences on squash growth and yield in a pot experiment was compared. Pronounced differences were distinguishable in the efficacy of tested strains in oxidizing sulfur and on pH values by either SVM or SOB in vitro as well asin increasing squash and yield. Sole biofertilization with SVM or SOB significantly increased the growth of squash and raised their nutrient contents. Dual biofertilization with SOB and SVM was superior to sole biofertilization