Antioxidant, Antibacterial Comparative Study between Artemisia monosperma L. and artichoke (Cynara scolymusL.).

Background: The study focuses on exploring the antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials of Egyptian Artemisia monosperma L. and artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.). These plants are known for their bioactive compounds, yet their comparative phytochemical composition and biological activities remain underexplored. The aim is to evaluate their antioxidant capabilities and antibacterial effectiveness to identify their potential as natural therapeutic agents. Materials and Methods: Methanolic extracts were prepared by air-drying, powdering the plant materials, and extracting bioactive components using methanol. Phytochemical analysis quantified the levels of phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins. Antioxidant activity was determined through the DPPH assay, measuring the IC50 values to reflect antioxidant capacity. Antimicrobial activity was assessed through the agar well diffusion method and the determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against selected bacterial strains. Results: Artichoke exhibited higher phytochemical content, including phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins, compared to Artemisia. Antioxidant analysis revealed that artichoke had a stronger scavenging effect with a lower IC50 value (0.134 mg/mL) compared to Artemisia (0.202 mg/mL), though both were less effective than ascorbic acid. Antimicrobial tests showed that artichoke was more effective against Gram-negative bacteria and Staphylococcus epidermidis than Artemisia. MIC results for both extracts were 0.454 mg/mL against Escherichia coli and S. epidermidis, indicating moderate antibacterial activity. Conclusion: The findings indicate that artichoke possesses superior antioxidants and antimicrobial properties compared to Artemisia. While Artemisia exhibited moderate activity, artichoke demonstrated significant bioactive potential, making it a promising candidate for further research and potential therapeutic applications. Both plants warrant further exploration to maximize their pharmacological benefits.