The Antibacterial Component from Cinnamomi Cortex against a Cariogenic Bacterium Streptococcus matans OMZ 176

The methanol extract of Cinnamoni Cortex showed antibacterial action against cariogenic bacterium, Streptococcus mutans OMZ 176. The active principle of the extract was identified to be trans-cinnamaldehyde, which was bactericidal in the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of $100\;\mu$g/ml against the strain. From the results of antibacterial activity of cinnamaldehyde and its derivatives, the acrolein group in the cinnamaldehyde was elucidated to be an essential element for the activity.