Heracleum moellendorffii
East asian hogweed
Heracleum moellendorffii, commonly known as Moellendorff's hogweed, is a distinctive herbaceous perennial native to various Asian regions. Belonging to the Apiaceae family, this plant is characterized by its large, umbellate flower clusters. While often studied for its botanical significance, its specific medicinal applications remain a subject of ethnobotanical interest.
- Scientific name: Heracleum moellendorffii
- Family: Apiaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Apiales, it is classified under the family Apiaceae and the genus Heracleum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Apiales | WCVP |
| Family | Apiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Heracleum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Heracleum moellendorffii, is known by various common names depending on the language and region. In Korean, it is referred to as 어수리 (eosu-ri), while in Chinese, it is identified by several names including 短毛独活 (duǎnmáo dúhuó), 短毛独活 (duǎnmáo dúhuó) in simplified script, and 短毛獨活 (duǎnmáo dúhuó) in traditional script. Additionally, it is also known in Chinese as 短毛牛防风 (duǎnmáo niú fángfēng).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ko | 어수리 | Wikidata |
| zh | 短毛独活 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 短毛独活 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 短毛獨活 | Wikidata |
| zh | 短毛牛防风 | Wikidata |
| zh | 千叶独活根 | Wikidata |
| zh | 短毛独活 | Wikidata |
| en | East Asian hogweed | Wikidata |
| fr | berce de Moellendorff | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions in East Asia. It can be found growing within the Russian Far East, specifically in the Primorye region. In China, its presence extends through the diverse landscapes of Manchuria and Inner Mongolia. Additionally, the species is widely distributed throughout the North-Central and South-Central parts of the country. Together, these locations highlight the extensive natural range of Heracleum moellendorffii.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Russian Far East | Primorye | WCVP |
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Inner Mongolia | WCVP |
| China | Manchuria | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Korea | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Heracleum moellendorffii, possesses various medicinal properties derived primarily from its underground structures. The roots serve as the principal reservoir for bioactive compounds, making them the most significant component for therapeutic use. When processed, the root extracts are utilized in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, often due to their potent chemical profiles. Furthermore, concentrated Root extracts are frequently studied for their specific pharmacological activities, highlighting the importance of the plant's entire subterranean system in herbal formulations.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 4
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root extracts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Root extracts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Heracleum moellendorffii has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include IL-6, MCP-1, NO, carotenoids, falcarinol.
- Total chemicals
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| IL-6 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| MCP-1 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| NO | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| carotenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| falcarinol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Heracleum moellendorffii has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include arthritis, backache, cold stress, fever.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| backache | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cold stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |