An easy and rapid method has been investigated for the biosynthesis of gold-zinc oxide nanocomposites (Au-ZnO NCs) coated with L-lysine using Russian Artemisialeaf extract (RAL). The phytochemical analysis of RAL has shown a high concentration of total phenols and total flavonoids. Characterization of Au-ZnO NCs@L-lysine@RAL was performed using a variety of spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV–Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). EDS analysis revealed high-purity gold and zinc in Au-ZnO NCs@L-lysine@RAL. Based on the SEM and TEM results, the size of the nanocomposite was 40 ± 5 nm and it was spherical in shape. The analysis of EDS, FESEM and TEM confirmed the XRD pattern. An MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxic effect of Au-ZnO NCs@L-lysine@RAL and RAL on A549 lung cancer cells. The results indicated moderate anticancer properties with IC50values of 1301.11 ± 10.6 and 1005. 6 ± 9.7 μM for RAL and Au-ZnO NCs@L-lysine@RAL, respectively. Au-ZnO NCs@L-lysine@RAL, which was synthesized by a simple and rapid green method, could be investigated as a new drug delivery system.