The present invention provides an antimicrobial composition that possesses antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria, that is highly safe, and that does not negatively affect taste. The antimicrobial composition comprises nisin and a plant-derived component selected from the group consisting of the juices, extracts, and distillates of one or more plants from the rose family and mixtures thereof. It is preferable that the plant from the rose family belong to the Prunus genus, even more preferable that the plant belonging to the Prunus genus be Prunus mume, and particularly preferable that the plant-derived component be the juice of the fruit of Prunus mume. The antimicrobial composition is particularly useful as a composition for oral use.
