Algerian Artemisia herba-alba (Asso): Extract and Essential Oils Investigation

Abstract

Background/Objective: Numerous studies have demonstrated the ethno-and pharmacological properties of various Artemisia species. However, this plant genus which grows abundantly and wildly in the ‘Tébessa’ Algerian region has not been investigated. This study focuses on the phytochemical characterization, biological activities evaluation with the antibacterial fraction identification of the aerial part aqueous extract (AE) and essential oil (EO) from Algerian Artemisia herba alba ( Aha) growing wild in the ‘Tebessa' region. Methods: Polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins were analyzed by spectrophotometer and the antimicrobial activity was determined by the gel diffusion followed by micro-dilution methods. The antioxidant effect was assayed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and ferric reducing power (FRAP) tests. The cytotoxic and anti-leishmaniasis activities were experienced on Raw 264.7 cell line and on L. infantum and L. major promastigotes respectively. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC)/autobiography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques were used to isolate and identify the antibacterial compounds. EO profile was determined by GC-MS analysis. Results: The extracts (AE and EO) demonstrated antioxidant activity, with the AE exhibiting the most pronounced levels. Both extracts showed antimicrobial activity against all the strains tested however; the EO effect was more effective, especially against the E. feacalis strain with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 0.0625 mg/mL. The antibacterial fraction exerted by AE towards E. feacalis was identified. AE and EO extracts showed antileishmanial activity and no toxic effect however, volatile extract was the most effective. EO profile revealed 19 identified compounds, led by camphor (51.14%), followed by 1,8 Cineole (19.30%), camphene (6.90%) and chrysanthenone (5.68%). Conclusion: As a result, the both extracts promise a high potential applications in agri-food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic sectors. This study aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 12, and 15, emphasizing potential health benefits, the responsible use of natural resources, and biodiversity conservation.