Planta Med 1998; 64(4): 367-369
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-957453
Letters

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Antimicrobial Activity of Magnolol and Honokiol against Periodontopathic Microorganisms

BeomSeok Chang1 , YongMoo Lee2 , Young Ku2 , KiHwan Bae3 , ChongPyoung Chung2
  • 1College of Dentistry, Kangneung National University, Kangneung, Korea
  • 2College of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Kangneung, Korea
  • 3College of Pharmacy, ChungNam National University, Taejon, Korea
Further Information

Publication History

1997

1997

Publication Date:
04 January 2007 (online)

Abstract

Magnolol (1) and honokiol (2), main compounds from the stem bark of Magnolia obovata Thunb., were evaluated for an antimicrobial activity against periodontopathic microorganisms, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella gingivalis, Actinobadllus actinomycetemcomitans, Capnocytophaga gingivalis, and Veillonella disper, and a cytotoxicity against human gingival fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Our results indicate that magnolol and honokiol, although less potent than chlorhexidine, show a significant antimicrobial activity against these microorganisms, and a relatively low cytotoxic effect on human gingival cells. Thus, it is suggested that magnolol and honokiol may have a potential therapeutic use as a safe oral antiseptic for the prevention and the treatment of periodontal disease.