Antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibition by essential oils from Hertia cheirifolia (L.)

•We analyzed the essential oils of Hertia cheirifolia L. by GC/MS.•The predominance of monoterpene hydrocarbons in these essential oils.•These oils that have both antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties could be useful in preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Essential oils from Hertia cheirifolia L. were evaluated for antioxidant activities by the 1,1-diphényl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), reducing power and carotene/linoleic acid and inhibitory properties against α-glucosidase. The essential oils (EOs) have been analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Chemical analyses showed that the EOs were rich in terpenes. α-Pinene was identified as major component in H. cheirifolia essential oils.Studies on kinetic behavior of the EOs showed that the oils of this species were non-competitive inhibitors and the flowers oil exhibited a strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 0.24 ± 0.01 mg/mL. These results show that H. cheirifolia could be a natural source of potent antioxidants and α-glucosidase inhibitors.