Iris pseudacorus as an easily accessible source of antibacterial and cytotoxic compounds

•Rhizome is a source of polyphenolic compounds of which tannins are dominant.•Extract from rhizome combats Staphylococcus aureus biofilm.•Rhizome extract selectively acts against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line.•In vitro culture of roots excreted iristectorigenin B into the culture medium.