Heracleum persicum
Persian hogweed
Heracleum persicum, commonly known as Persian Hogweed, is a potent medicinal herb native to the Caucasus region. Renowned for its bioactive compounds, it is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat inflammatory conditions and digestive issues. This aromatic plant offers significant therapeutic potential through its diverse phytochemical properties.
- Scientific name: Heracleum persicum
- Family: Apiaceae
- Native range: Europe
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. It is further identified by the genus Heracleum, which includes the specific species Heracleum persicum.
| 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, known scientifically as Heracleum persicum, is recognized by various common names depending on the region and language. In Persian, it is referred to as گلپر (Golpar), while in German, it is also commonly called Golpar. Its regional names in Europe include the Czech bolševník perský, the Dutch Perzische berenklauw, and the Finnish persianjättiputki.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Golpar | Wikidata |
| cs | bolševník perský | Wikidata |
| fa | گلپر | Wikidata |
| nl | Perzische berenklauw | Wikidata |
| fi | persianjättiputki | Wikidata |
| nb | tromsøpalme | Wikidata |
| ar | هرقلية فارسية | Wikidata |
| sv | Tromsöloka | Wikidata |
| ro | Heracleum persicum coll. | Wikidata |
| hu | perzsa medvetalp | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the northern reaches of the European continent. It can be found growing within the territories of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, its presence extends to the island nation of Iceland. The species is also documented throughout the landscapes of Norway. Finally, its geographical range includes the country of Sweden.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Baltic States | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Iran | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Türkiye | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Heracleum persicum, is a versatile medicinal species that utilizes various components for its therapeutic properties. The large, compound leaves are often a primary point of interest, while the delicate, umbrella-like clusters of flowers characterize its blooming stage. From these structures, the seeds can be harvested to provide concentrated bioactive compounds. Scientists often utilize various plant extracts derived from these different organs to study their pharmacological potential, frequently focusing on the potent essential oils found within the plant, which carry its distinct aromatic and medicinal essence.- Total parts
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| plant extracts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| essential oils | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Essential oils | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Heracleum persicum has 24 reported phytochemicals identified across 31 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include hexyl butyrate, octyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, Anethole, Oleic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 24
- Scientific sources
- 31
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| hexyl butyrate | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| octyl acetate | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 1,8-cineole | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anethole | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Oleic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| alpha-tocopherol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anethole | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| beta-sitosterol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| carotenoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| carvacrol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Heracleum persicum has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antifungal, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Heracleum persicum has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium infections, candidiasis, contraceptive, coronary artery disease.
- Total uses
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Aspergillus flavus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Fusarium infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| candidiasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| contraceptive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coronary artery disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hormones | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypertriglyceridemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infertility | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |