Phytochemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Matricaria chamomilla ethanolic extracts against clinical bacterial isolates in Ibb City, Yemen

This study aimed to analyze the phytochemical constituents and evaluate the antimicrobial effects of ethanolic extracts from Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile) leaves and flowers against clinical bacterial isolates collected from Ibb City, Yemen. Phytochemical screening revealed presence of alkaloids, tannins, sterols, and terpenoids in both leaves and flowers, while flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and amino acids were absent. Antibacterial activity was assessed using inhibition zone diameters against pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The extracts showed significant antimicrobial activity, especially against S. aureus, with leaf extract showing a 24 mm inhibition zone and flower extract 15 mm. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) tests confirmed the potent bactericidal effects at low extract concentrations (100 mg/mL). These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of M. chamomilla as a natural antimicrobial agent relevant to combating bacterial infections, especially in the local Yemeni context. Further studies are recommended to isolate active compounds and evaluate mechanisms of action.