Ugai, peelu in Hindi, is the toothbrush tree, whose twigs are chewed as miswak across South Asia, the Middle East and Africa. It grows in saline, arid ground in Rajasthan, Gujarat and coastal Tamil Nadu. Its small red berries, peelu, are eaten in summer and taste sweet and peppery. The seeds yield a fat once used for soap. It is not the sandpaper tree, Streblus asper, also used as a chew stick.
- Botanical name
- Salvadora persica L.
- Family
- Salvadoraceae
- Tamil
- Ugai
- Hindi
- Peelu
- Sanskrit
- Pilu
- Parts used
- Twigs, Fruit
- Habit
- Salt-tolerant toothbrush tree; twigs are chewed as miswak
- Last updated
- 2026-10-27
How to recognise Ugai
It is an evergreen shrub or small tree with drooping, pale branches and a crooked trunk.
The leaves are thick, fleshy, pale green and oval, with a mustard or cress smell when crushed.
Tiny greenish-yellow flowers grow in loose clusters.
The fruits are small, round berries that turn pink to red and then purple when ripe.
Twigs have a sharp, peppery taste when chewed.
Traditional use of Ugai
Household
Fresh twigs are chewed until the end frays into bristles and then used to clean the teeth.
South Asian, Middle Eastern and African practice
Kitchen
Ripe peelu berries are eaten fresh in Rajasthan and Gujarat in early summer.
Western Indian food practice
Farming
It is browsed by camels and goats in deserts.
Desert pastoral practice
Modern notes on Ugai
Miswak contains fluoride, silica and compounds active against mouth bacteria in laboratory tests.
Studies suggest miswak can clean teeth about as well as a toothbrush when used properly.
Its tolerance of salt makes it a candidate for reclaiming saline land.
Ugai safety
Use only fresh, clean twigs and trim the frayed end daily. A chewing stick does not replace fluoride toothpaste or dental care.
Ecology and sourcing
It grows in arid and saline areas from Africa through the Middle East to India.
Birds eat the berries.
It survives salty soils where few trees can grow.
Related plants
Questions about Ugai
What is miswak?
A chewing stick from this tree.
Are the berries of Ugai edible?
Yes, when ripe.
Why does Ugai smell of mustard?
It contains mustard-like sulphur compounds.
Is Ugai the same as pirayan?
No. Pirayan is Streblus asper.
Where does Ugai grow in India?
In dry, saline parts of the west and south.
Sources
- Salvadora persica L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q143525 (Salvadora persica)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.