Abstract
This study offers a detailed assessment of the polyphenolic composition and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties of lyophilized extracts derived from the aerial parts of Agastache mexicana and Agastache scrophulariifolia. The polyphenolic content was determined through the quantification of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and caffeic acid derivatives, complemented by LC-MS profiling. The antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro using DPPH and FRAP assays, while the in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were investigated in a rat model of turpentine-oil-induced acute inflammation. Cardioprotective potential was assessed in a separate rat model of isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction. Phytochemical analysis revealed a complex polyphenolic profile for both species, with tilianin and rosmarinic acid identified as predominant compounds. In the DPPH assay, both extracts exhibited marked radical scavenging activity (IC(50): 65.91 ± 1.21 μg/mL for A. mexicana; 68.64 ± 2.48 μg/mL for A. scrophulariifolia). In the in vivo assays, the administration of the extracts significantly decreased pro-oxidant biomarkers (TOS, OSI, MDA, NO) and enhanced antioxidant markers (TAC, SH groups). Furthermore, the extracts led to a significant reduction in serum levels of GOT, GPT, and CK-MB in rats subjected to myocardial injury, supporting their cardioprotective efficacy. Overall, the results suggest that A. mexicana and A. scrophulariifolia represent promising natural sources of polyphenolic compounds with potential therapeutic value in oxidative-stress-related inflammatory and cardiovascular disorders.