### id228292706 chew sticks from trees are effective > *Salvadora persica* (known in some parts of the world as “the toothbrush tree”) is a powerful plant with many documented pharmacological properties. In laboratory tests, stem and leaf decoctions of *Salvadora persica* provided significant protective action against ethanol and stress-induced ulcers, reduced cholesterol and LDL plasma levels, and inhibited oral bacteria and plaque growth. > > The bark, stems and leaves have a chemical anti-convulsant property which increases in potency when concentrated and aged, producing a powerful paralytic that can act as a hallucinogen and has even been used to kill unsuspecting enemies. - [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01ffv5wbydqnpt18zr9zkgehsb) - [[the sordid history of the toothbrush via the museum of everyday life#id228292706 chew sticks from trees are effective|View in Vault]]