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-CO ₂ ) extractions. UAE-EtOH and SFE-CO ₂ 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-CO ₂ 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.