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.
