ANTI BACTERIAL ACTIVITIES OF CINNAMON ZEYLANICUM (CINNAMON) AND PTEROCARPUS MILDBRAEDII (OHA LEAF) ON STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS AND STREPTOCOCCUS SALIVARUS ISOLATED FROM SPUTUM

Oral infections caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus salivarius are among the leading causes of dental caries and periodontal diseases. Increasing antibiotic resistance among these pathogens has driven the search for natural alternatives from medicinal plants. Cinnamon zeylanicum (cinnamon bark) and Pterocarpus mildbraedii (Oha leaf) are wellknown traditional plants valued for their bioactive phytochemicals and antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition, microbiological characteristics, and antibacterial activity of C. zeylanicum and P. mildbraedii extracts against S. mutans and S. salivarius. The plant samples were collected, dried, and extracted using standard solvent extraction methods. Phytochemical screening identified major secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolics. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method, while Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined through serial dilution assays. Results showed that cinnamon bark extract contained alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids, while Oha leaf was rich in phenolics and tannins. Cinnamon exhibited stronger antibacterial effects with inhibition zones up to 8.0 mm, whereas Oha showed weaker but dose-dependent inhibition. MIC and MBC tests revealed that cinnamon had an MIC at 80% and MBC at 100%, while Oha demonstrated MIC only at 100% with no bactericidal effect. These findings confirm that C. zeylanicum possesses superior antibacterial potential compared to P. mildbraedii, likely due to its high flavonoid and alkaloid content. The study concludes that cinnamon bark extract could serve as a promising natural agent for managing oral bacterial infections. It is recommended for incorporation into oral care formulations such as toothpaste and mouthwash, with further in vivo and synergistic studies encouraged to validate its efficacy and support sustainable, plant-based healthcare solutions.