Antioxidant Potential, Anti-Inflammatory Activity, Antidiabetic and Cardioprotective Effect of Microsechium Helleri (Peyr.) Cong.

Microsechium helleri, traditionally used in central Veracruz, Mexico for various medicinal purposes including hair loss prevention, has been studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cardioprotective effects. The study evaluated hexanic, chloroformic, and ethanolic extracts of the plant. The ethanolic extract (EEtOH) showed the highest antioxidant activity in the DPPH test, while the chloroformic extract (ECHCl3) excelled in the Ferric Reducing/Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay and had the highest total phenolic content. ECHCl3 also demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects in an acute ear edema mouse model. Furthermore, EEtOH was effective in lowering glucose levels and reducing myocardial damage in rats, supporting the plant's traditional use for these health benefits.