Authentication, phytochemical characterization and anti-bacterial activity of two Artemisia species

•Molecular and chemotaxonomic approaches are combined for plant authentication.•These approaches assist the morphological authentication of A. indica and A. argyi.•Six phytochemicals of the Artemisia species were identified.•Artemisia plants and their phytochemicals inhibit food-borne harmful bacteria.•This inhibition is via destruction of the bacterial membrane.