Effects of Aqueous Extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum on Pathogenic Gastrointestinal Bacteria and Probiotic Bacteria

Background: Bacterial resistance to antibiotics and the progress made in medicinal plants have caused researchers to pay attention to antibacterial compounds in plants. Objectives: In this study, we assessed the prebiotic and antipathogenic effects of the aqueous extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum. Materials and Methods: Antibacterial activity of the aqueous extract was performed on various target cultures. Determining the activity of the extract n inhibiting the growth of bacteria was done using broth dilution technique. We evaluated the prebiotic activity of extract on Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotic bacteria. Results: C. zeylanicum extract was able to inhibit the growth of all six pathogens. Furthermore, C. zeylanicum extract had prebiotic properties for L. reuteri and L. acidophilus bacteria. Conclusion: There are antibacterial substances in the aqueous extract of C. zeylanicum, and it has prebiotic activity. Therefore, this makes C. zeylanicum considered a good candidate for food supplementation to prevent gastroenteritis.