Antimicrobial Effects of Aqueous-Alcoholic Extract of Artemisia Turanica against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): An in vitro Study

Introduction: Infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are on the rise worldwide. Over the last few decades, new compounds of natural origins have regained interest as an alternative to antibiotics in the treatment of MRSA infections. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial effects of Artemisia Turanica extract, a native plant of Iran. Material & Methods: The plant was subjected to aqueous-alcoholic extraction, and its antibacterial effects were then evaluated using the disk diffusion method. All tests were performed in triplicate, and the mean diameter of the growth inhibition zone was recorded. Finally, the minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) against MRSA were determined using the micro broth dilution method. (Ethic code: IR.MUMS.REC.1401.015) Findings: The recorded antimicrobial activity against MRSA of the plant extract (29±1.5) was higher than that of the vancomycin antibiotic (14±1.4). The effect of MIC on MRSA was recorded at 98 μg/mL, and the MBC was estimated at 157 μg/mL. The plant extract also showed antifungal activity against the tested pathogenic fungal strains. Discussion & Conclusion: Artemisia Turanica extract has a strong antibacterial activity against MRSA. Accordingly, the purification and identification of active compounds of this extract on an industrial scale pave the way for introducing new antimicrobial compounds.