Introduction:

Globally, resistance to antimicrobial drugs is a major hazard to public health. Infections that were once easily treatable with antibiotics are becoming harder to control, leading to prolonged illnesses, increased mortality rates, and higher healthcare costs. This study aims to assess the antimicrobial and anticancer properties of different extracts obtained from Artemisia herba-alba (AHA).

Material and methods:

The antibacterial tests of AHA were performed on two gram-negative bacterial (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia), and gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). Initial screening for antibacterial activities was conducted using the well diffusion technique. The anticancer test was carried out in vitro on a human breast carcinoma cell line (MCF-7) using MTT assay.

Results:

Among all extracts, ethanol and n-hexane extract of AHA were the most effective against Staphylococcus aureus with the highest inhibition zone, 27 ±11 mm (mean ±SD) compared to standard antibiotics (ceftriaxone, 44 mm, nitrofurantoin 34 mm). The ethanol extract of AHA showed the highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, demonstrating the potential of infection treatment. Ethyl acetate extract has antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia. The findings indicated that the ethanol extract of AHA exhibited the highest efficacy against MCF-7), with an IC₅₀ value of 546.75 ±16.00 µg/ml.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that the ethanol extract of AHA could be considered as a potential agent to serve as a source of antibacterial and anticancer compounds.