Solvent-dependent variation in biological activity and phytochemical profiling of Artemisia vestita extracts

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of antibacterial resistance and concerns regarding the extensive use of synthetic antibiotics have intensified the search for plant-derived antibacterial agents. This study comparatively evaluated the antibacterial activity of hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of Artemisia vestita, a Himalayan medicinal plant, against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Bacillus subtilis. Both extracts exhibited concentration-dependent antibacterial activity, with the ethyl acetate extract showing significantly greater efficacy. At the highest concentration, the largest inhibition zone was observed against B. subtilis, whereas the smallest was observed against E. coli. Ethyl acetate extract also exhibited lower minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values than the hexane extract, indicating superior antibacterial potency. Based on these findings, ethyl acetate extract was selected for further antioxidant evaluation and liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy-based phytochemical profiling. The extract exhibited moderate ferric reducing antioxidant power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity, and phytochemical analysis tentatively identified several flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids that may contribute to its antibacterial and antioxidant activities. These findings highlight ethyl acetate extract of A. vestita as a promising natural source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in aquaculture. Further studies are required to validate the identified metabolites and assess their efficacy and safety under in vivo conditions.