Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of Artemisia ludoviciana subsp. Mexican against three enterobacteria

Abstract

Fractionated extraction of the leaves of Artemisia ludoviciana subsp. mexicana was performed, using hexane, dichloromethane and methanol, to obtain compounds of different polarity. Essential oils, aqueous decoction and hydroalcoholic extract were also obtained. Phytochemical profile was determined for each extract based on coloration and precipitation tests. Extracts were evaluated against three enterobacteria using the plate microdilution method. Chemical analysis revealed that dichloromethane fraction has a greater variety of compounds than hexane and methanolic fractions. The content of compounds of dichloromethane fraction correlates with the highest antimicrobial activity observed, suggesting that metabolites responsible for antimicrobial effect are intermediate polarity. Regarding extracts, ethanolic extract exerts a better effect than the decoction, while the essential oil shows the same antibacterial effect at low concentrations. Results demonstrate that A. ludoviciana subsp. mexicana has a great variety of compounds, which, according to their nature, can be eluted with solvents of different polarity. These compounds contribute to the antibacterial effect attributed to this plant.