Аннотация
This research work was aimed at a comprehensive assessment of the chemical composition and biological activity of the ethanol extract of Artemisia terrae-albae Krasch. The plant raw material was extracted by standard methods, and the obtained extract was studied using IR and GC–MS analysis methods. IR spectroscopic analysis of the extract confirmed the presence of terpenoid compounds in it. Absorption bands characteristic of terpenoid compounds belonging to hydroxyl (–OH) groups, carbonyl (C=O) groups, and unsaturated C=C bonds were observed. As a result of GC–MS analysis, a total of 46 organic compounds were identified from the composition of the studied sample. Identification of compounds was carried out based on comparison of mass spectra with library data and analysis of retention times. Among the identified components, 17 compounds were classified as terpenes, and their total share was 36.96% of the total chemical composition. The terpene fraction was classified according to its structural features: 8 compounds belonged to monoterpenes, accounting for 17.39% of the total composition; 8 compounds were classified as sesquiterpenes, and their relative amount was also 17.39%. In addition, one triterpenoid - ursolic acid - was detected in the amount of 2.17%. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by disco-diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration methods. The extract showed moderate activity against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis), and the effect on gram-negative bacteria was weak. A weak fungistatic effect was recorded against the Candida albicans strain. The toxicity level was determined using the Artemia salina bioassay, and the LD₅₀ value was 90.6 μg/ml, indicating a relatively low toxicity of the extract. The results obtained indicate that the studied sample is rich in terpene components and can serve as a basis for further studies of their biological activity and pharmacological potential. The relatively high content of terpenes proves the importance of the studied raw material as a source of natural biologically active substances.