Persian hogweed

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Persian Hogweed

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Heracleum pubescens var. laeve
• Heracleum pubescens var. persicum
• Heracleum amplissimum
• Heracleum glabrescens

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

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.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Heracleum persicum is characterized by its classification as a hemicryptophyte, a life form where the perennating buds are located at or just below the soil surface, protected by leaf litter or soil during unfavorable seasons. This botanical strategy allows the plant to persist through seasonal environmental shifts, emerging from its underground structures to complete its growth cycle. Its developmental progression typically involves a period of vegetative growth where large, deeply lobed leaves develop to maximize photosynthetic efficiency, followed by the production of massive, branched inflorescences that bear numerous small flowers. As a perennial species, it undergoes cyclic patterns of growth and dormancy, relying on its protected bud structures to ensure survival and subsequent regrowth in successive growing seasons.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Heracleum persicum is characterized by a robust, perennial herbaceous structure featuring large, compound leaves that are deeply lobed or pinnately divided, often exhibiting a broad, spreading habit. The stem is typically stout, erect, and can reach significant heights, often possessing a hollow interior and a slightly furrowed texture. The inflorescence is a large, compound umbel composed of numerous small, white flowers arranged in multiple tiers, supported by long, spreading rays. The root system is well-developed, often consisting of a thick taproot that facilitates nutrient storage. Regarding its biological lifestyle and nutritional dependency, this species is an independent organism; it does not function as a parasite, meaning its nutritional status is classified as independent rather than being an obligatory or facultative parasite.

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Heracleum persicum has 3 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include flower, leaf, seed.

Flower

1. Mycotoxin research

Leaf

1. Mycotoxin research

Seed

1. Mycotoxin research

Chemicals

Heracleum persicum has 23 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include HEXYL BUTYRATE, Octyl acetate, ANETHOLE, 1,8-Cineole, BETA-SITOSTEROL.

HEXYL BUTYRATE

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences
3. Chemistry & biodiversity
4. Food science & nutrition
5. Journal de mycologie medicale

Octyl acetate

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences
3. Chemistry & biodiversity
4. Food science & nutrition

ANETHOLE

1. Chemistry & biodiversity
2. Food science & nutrition

1,8-Cineole

1. Journal de mycologie medicale

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Foods (Basel, Switzerland)

CARVACROL

1. Journal de mycologie medicale

CHLOROPHYLL

1. Foods (Basel, Switzerland)

CINNAMIC ACID

1. Food science & nutrition

Carotenoid

1. Foods (Basel, Switzerland)

Caryophyllene

1. Food science & nutrition

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.

Anticancer

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Antifungal

1. Mycotoxin research

Antioxidant

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Conditions

Heracleum persicum has 8 reported investigations on conditions identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium infections, candidiasis, contraceptive, coronary artery disease.

Aspergillus flavus

1. Journal de mycologie medicale

Fusarium infections

1. Current medical mycology

Candidiasis

1. Journal de mycologie medicale

Contraceptive

1. Cell journal

Coronary artery disease

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Hormones

1. Biomolecular concepts

Hypertriglyceridemia

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Infertility

1. Cell journal

Preparations

Heracleum persicum has 16 reported preparations identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include EOs, Essential Oil Nanoemulsion, Essential oils, Hydroalcoholic Extract, essential oils.

Eos

1. Journal de mycologie medicale

Essential oil nanoemulsion

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Essential oils

1. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences

Hydroalcoholic extract

1. Cell journal

Essential oils

1. Journal de mycologie medicale

Ethyl acetate extract of flowers

1. Mycotoxin research

Ethyl acetate extract of leaves

1. Mycotoxin research

Ethyl acetate extract of seeds

1. Mycotoxin research

Extract

1. Current medical mycology

Flower extract

1. Mycotoxin research