Hesperozygis ringens (Benth.) Epling: a study involving extraction, chemical profiling, antioxidant and biological activity

Hesperozygis ringens is a plant of the Lamiaceae family which is restricted to the Southern region of Brazil. It is popularly used as an insecticide, but knowledge on it is very scarce. This study aimed to determine the chemical markers of H. ringens extracts obtained via ultrasound-assisted (UAE-EtOH) and supercritical fluid (SFE-CO2) extractions. UAE-EtOH and SFE-CO2 extracts were characterised by UPLC-MS and GC-MS, respectively. Both products had their antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity evaluated. Twelve compounds were found in the UAE-EtOH extract, including phenolic acids and flavonoids; the SFE-CO2 extract contained terpenes and phytosterols. The UAE-EtOH extract showed a greater antioxidant activity. Neither extract presented cytotoxicity or genotoxicity against human mononuclear blood cells.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine the chemical markers of Hesperozygis ringens extracts obtained via different extraction methods and evaluated their biological activities. Results showed that the ultrasound-assisted extract exhibited higher antioxidant activity, and both extracts showed no cytotoxicity or genotoxicity against human mononuclear blood cells.