Investigation of Essential Minerals and Antimicrobial Effects of Selected Medicinal Herbs

Three medicinal plants that are often employed in traditional remedies—Phagnalon rupestre, Marrubium vulgare, and Ajuga iva—were examined for their mineral content and antibacterial activity. Plant materials were collected from Msallata region of Libya, cleaned, air-dried for 25 days, then crushed, sieved, and sealed in glass bottles. 20 g of plant powder was macerated in 200 mL of ethanol at room temperature for 72 hours to create ethanol extracts, which were then filtered, concentrated, and dried at 40°C.Using atomic absorption spectroscopy and flame photometry following wet digestion with concentrated HNO₃, mineral analysis focusses on three macroelements (Na, K, and Ca) and three microelements (Fe, Cu, and Zn). According to the results, Ajuga iva had the greatest zinc level (168.44 mg/L), whereas Marrubium vulgare had the highest sodium (850 mg/L) and iron content (4375 mg/L). All three species have high levels of calcium, ranging from 13,479 to 15,992 mg/L. Only Phagnalon rupestre had copper (147 mg/L).Selective action was shown in antimicrobial tests against Staphylococcus species and Escherichia coli. Phagnalon rupestre only demonstrated inhibition against Staphylococcus at the highest concentration, but Ajuga iva showed considerable inhibition against E. coli and Staphylococcus at 12.5–50% concentrations. There was no antibacterial activity in Marrubium vulgare. As anticipated, standard antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin, penicillin, and tetracycline showed bigger inhibitory zones.