Biological activity of Hyptis Jacq. (Lamiaceae) is determined by the environment

•Special metabolites represent a chemical interface between plants and the environment around.•Hyptis species was collected and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography and performing antioxidants assays.•Phenolic classes observed were phenolic acids, flavonoids, chlorogenic acid derivatives, cinnamic acid derivatives.•There is a tendency of Hyptis populations growing at Atlantic Forest domain present highest levels of phenolic compounds.•The abiotic microenvironment seems to exert a stronger influence in phytochemical composition.