# Phytochemical Analysis and In-Vitro Biological Activities of Three Wild Eryngium Species: E. beecheyanum, E. heterophyllum, and E. mexiae

## TL;DR

This study analyzed the chemical composition and biological activities of three wild Eryngium species from Mexico, finding differences in their antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the phytochemical and bioactive profiles of three under-researched Eryngium species.

## Key findings

- Roots of Eryngium species showed stronger antioxidant activity than leaves.
- EM leaves exhibited the highest α-glucosidase inhibition, suggesting potential hypoglycemic effects.
- Variation in metabolite content was observed across species and plant organs.

## Abstract

The genus Eryngium (Apiaceae Lindley) includes over 250 species distributed worldwide. In Michoacán, Mexico, 22 species have been recorded, among them E. beecheyanum (EB), E. heterophyllum (EH), and E. mexiae (EM), which are commonly used in traditional medicine. However, our understanding of their biology and chemical composition remains limited. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile, as well as the antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of leaves and roots from these three wild species. Flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and sterols were analyzed using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Antioxidant activity was assessed in vitro using ABTS·+ and DPPH· assays, while antihyperglycemic activity was determined by α-glucosidase inhibition. Six metabolites were detected across all species, with organ-dependent variation. In the leaves, EB showed a high rutin content (241.3 µg/mL), EM contained catechin (137.3 µg/mL), and EH exhibited β sitosterol (315.9 µg/mL). Both leaves and roots of all species showed notable antioxidant activity. EB leaves exhibited inhibition rates of 69.5% and 85.5% in ABTS•+ and DPPH• assays, respectively (IC50 = 22 and 23.47 µg/mL). EH roots showed higher activity, reaching 89.4% and 78.2% inhibition (IC50 = 21.8 and 20.72 µg/mL). Conversely, EM organs exhibited relatively lower radical scavenging capacities; however, EM leaves showed the highest α-glucosidase inhibition (49.1%). Overall, these results suggest that roots generally possess stronger antioxidant potential than leaves, whereas EM leaves stand out for their enzymatic inhibitory activity. These findings highlight the diverse phytochemical and bioactive profiles of E. beecheyanum, E. heterophyllum, and E. mexiae.