Scientific name: Heracleum persicum Desf. ex Fisch.

Common name: Persian Hogweed

Family: Apiaceae

 

 

Introduction

The genus Heracleum comprises approximately 120-130 species, found primarily in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and high mountains as far south as Ethiopia, with centers of diversity in the Caucasus and the Sino-Himalayan regions. Key species include Heracleum persicum (Persian hogweed) from Iran, Turkey, and Iraq, Heracleum sphondylium (common hogweed) in Europe and Asia, Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed) from the Western Greater Caucasus, and Heracleum maximum (cow parsnip) native to North America.

 

Heracleum persicum

Heracleum persicum Desf. ex Fischer, commonly known as Persian hogweed or Golpar, is a tall, aromatic perennial plant in the Apiaceae family, native to Western Asia. It is characterized by large pinnate leaves with deeply lobed segments, hollow ridged stems, and broad white umbrella-shaped inflorescences typical of the genus. The plant produces dry schizocarpic fruits rich in essential oils, particularly hexyl butyrate and octyl acetate, and its parts—especially the seeds—are widely used in traditional cuisine and folk medicine of Western Asia. Anatomically, it features oil ducts (vittae) in fruits and glandular trichomes contributing to its potent aroma and bioactivity.

 

Essential Oil Quality

Heracleum persicum essential oil from Western Asia exhibits distinct regional chemical profiles influenced by geographic and environmental factors. In northwestern regions, the oil is dominated by octyl acetate and hexyl butyrate, with a hexyl butyrate-to-octyl acetate ratio ranging from 1.8 to 3.2. Higher altitudes are linked to increased hexyl butyrate content, contributing to the oil's fruity aroma. In northern and central regions, the ratio drops to 0.3 to 0.9, and trans-anethole becomes the primary compound, reaching up to 82.8% in some samples, reflecting the influence of higher precipitation at lower altitudes. The Mountains show the most diverse profiles; some populations are dominated by anethole, while others feature complex mixtures of trans-carveol (38.7%), α-terpineol (23.8%), and isobornyl formate (9.2%). 

The primary components of H. persicum essential oil are aliphatic esters (86.61–94.31%), while monoterpenes (1–60.2%) and aliphatic alcohols (up to 4%) show greater variability. Environmental factors significantly affect the oil's composition — hexyl butyrate levels positively correlate with altitude and negatively with precipitation, while octyl acetate shows a positive but statistically insignificant correlation with soil conductivity and temperature. The unique chemical diversity and environmental responsiveness of H. persicum essential oil underscore its potential as a valuable ingredient in natural therapeutics and aromatics.

The following sections explore the key properties and applications of the major compounds found in this essential oil:

  1. Octyl Acetate

Octyl acetate (C10H20O2) is an ester that gives Heracleum persicum its characteristic fruity and sweet aroma. It is widely used in the flavor and fragrance industry due to its pleasant scent, resembling that of oranges or jasmine. In the food industry, octyl acetate is added to fruit-flavored beverages, candies, and baked goods to enhance the flavor profile. Its antimicrobial and antifungal properties also make it useful in natural food preservation. In the cosmetics industry, octyl acetate is incorporated into perfumes, lotions, and hair products to impart a fresh, fruity scent. Its mild antibacterial effects contribute to its use in personal care products and natural disinfectants.

 

  1. Hexyl Butyrate

Hexyl butyrate (C10H20O2) is another ester known for its fruity, apple-like scent. It is naturally found in many fruits and is commonly used as a flavoring agent in juices, candies, and dairy products. Its pleasant aroma also makes it a valuable component in perfumes and personal care products like shampoos and lotions. Hexyl butyrate exhibits mild antimicrobial activity, making it useful as a preservative in food and cosmetic products. Its ability to enhance the sensory appeal of food and personal care products makes it highly sought after in the food and fragrance industries.

 

  1. Trans-Anethole

Trans-anethole (C10H12O) is a phenylpropene derivative that gives licorice and anise their characteristic sweet flavor. It has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, making it valuable in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Trans-anethole is used to flavor beverages (like anise-flavored liqueurs), candies, and baked goods. Its antimicrobial properties make it useful as a natural food preservative. In traditional medicine, it is known for its digestive and mild estrogenic effects, contributing to its use in herbal remedies for digestive and hormonal issues.

 

  1. Trans-Carveol

Trans-carveol (C10H14O) is a monoterpenoid alcohol with a minty and slightly sweet aroma. It is known for its strong antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, which make it useful in pharmaceuticals and natural disinfectants. In the flavor and fragrance industry, trans-carveol is used to enhance mint and citrus notes in food and perfumes. Its antimicrobial activity makes it effective against foodborne pathogens, and it has also shown potential as an anti-inflammatory agent in medicinal formulations. Trans-carveol’s natural origin and strong biological activity make it a key compound in eco-friendly cleaning and personal care products.

 

  1. α-Terpineol

α-Terpineol (C10H18O) is a monoterpenoid alcohol with a pleasant floral and citrus scent. It is widely used in perfumes, soaps, and personal care products for its refreshing aroma. α-Terpineol exhibits strong antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant activity, which contributes to its use in natural disinfectants and skincare products. In the pharmaceutical industry, α-terpineol is valued for its anti-inflammatory and sedative effects. Its ability to penetrate the skin and mucous membranes also makes it useful as a carrier for medicinal formulations. In the flavor industry, α-terpineol is sometimes added to beverages and confectioneries to enhance citrus and floral notes.

 

  1. Isobornyl Formate

Isobornyl formate (C11H18O2) is an ester derived from isoborneol and formic acid. It has a fresh, pine-like aroma with floral undertones, making it a popular ingredient in perfumes and scented personal care products. Isobornyl formate exhibits mild antimicrobial activity and contributes to the preservation of fragrances and cosmetic formulations. In the cleaning industry, it is used in air fresheners and household products for its refreshing scent and antimicrobial properties. Its low toxicity and pleasant aroma make it a versatile compound in the fragrance and personal care sectors.

 

 

Applications and Benefits in Various Industries

  1. Pharmaceutical Industry

Heracleum persicum essential oil offers significant benefits in the pharmaceutical industry due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) ranging from below 62.50 μg/mL to 6.25 mg/mL. It also demonstrates potent anticancer properties, including the inhibition of ovarian cancer cells (IC50 = 12.08 μg/mL) and tumor reduction (57.16% at 12 mg/mL). Its cardiovascular benefits are noteworthy, as it improves lipid profiles by lowering triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol while increasing HDL-cholesterol, comparable to the effects of lovastatin. Additionally, it exhibits analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, making it useful for pain and inflammation management. Its antioxidant properties support immune function and cellular health, while gastrointestinal benefits include improved intestinal health and nutrient absorption. Furthermore, its potential antiepileptic effects suggest a role in neurological treatments. 

 

  1. Cosmetic Industry

In the cosmetic industry, Heracleum persicum essential oil shows promise due to its antioxidant properties, which could protect skin from aging and oxidative stress. Its antimicrobial effects may allow it to be used as a natural preservative in cosmetic formulations, enhancing the shelf life and safety of products. The presence of high levels of esters, such as hexyl butanoate and octyl acetate, imparts a fruity and pleasant aroma, making it suitable for use in skincare and personal care products. Its anti-inflammatory properties could help reduce redness, irritation, and acne, contributing to the development of products for sensitive or problematic skin. 

 

  1. Food Industry

In the food industry, the antimicrobial activity of H. persicum essential oil could improve food preservation and safety by inhibiting the growth of pathogens like Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. Its rich content of esters and terpenes gives it a distinctive fruity and aromatic flavor, making it a valuable natural flavoring agent. This dual role as a preservative and flavor enhancer could support cleaner-label food products with reduced reliance on synthetic additives. 

 

  1. Fragrance Industry

In the fragrance industry, the high ester content of H. persicum essential oil gives it a fruity and pleasant aroma, making it suitable for use in perfumes and scented personal care products. Compounds such as hexyl butanoate and octyl acetate provide a sweet and fresh fragrance that can enhance the sensory appeal of lotions, soaps, and sprays. Its antimicrobial properties also suggest potential as a natural preservative for fragrance products. 

 

  1. Nutraceutical Industry

In the nutraceutical industry, the cardiovascular benefits of H. persicum essential oil, including cholesterol-lowering effects comparable to lovastatin, make it a potential candidate for natural cholesterol-lowering supplements. Its antioxidant and anticancer properties may enhance immune-boosting and health-promoting formulations. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects could support natural pain relief products, positioning it as a multifunctional ingredient in health supplements. 

 

 

Selected References:

  • Falahati‐Anbaran, M., Mohammadi Bazargani, M., & Rohloff, J. (2018). Large scale geographical mapping of essential oil volatiles in Heracleum (Apiaceae): identification of novel compounds and unraveling cryptic variation. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 15(9), e1800230.
  • Ghavam, M. (2023). Heracleum persicum Desf. ex Fisch., CA Mey. & Avé-Lall. fruit essential oil: content, antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity against ovarian cancer cell line. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 23(1), 87.
  • Mustafavi, S. H., Abbasi, A., Morshedloo, M. R., Pateiro, M., & Lorenzo, J. M. (2022). Essential oil variability in Iranian populations of Heracleum persicum Desf. ex Fischer: A rich source of hexyl butyrate and octyl acetate. Molecules, 27(19), 6296.
  • Radjabian, T., Salimi, A., Rahmani, N., Shockravi, A., & Mozaffarian, V. (2013). Essential oil composition of some wild populations of Heracleum persicum Desf. Ex Fischer growing in Iran. Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants, 16(6), 841-849.
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