Anticariogenic β-carboline alkaloids fromCommelina communis

The methanolic extract ofCommelina communis (aerial part) showed antibacterial activity aganist a cariogenic bacterium,Streptococcus mutans OMZ 176. The active principles were identified to be β-carboline alkaloids, 1-carbomethoxy-β-carboline, norharman and harman, which were bactericidal in the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 100 μg/ml against the strain.