Heracleum persicum
Heracleum genus contains more than 120 species and is one of the largest Apiaceae family genera which widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, mainly in Asia and Eurasia region.
Hogweeds observed as a tall or dwarf monocarpic perennial herbs. They have hairy or glabrous simple, lobed or pinnate leaves, and in some case biternate. They are the inflorescence herbs with umbelliform cymes. They have symmetrical or zygomorphic white, greenish white ore pale pink petals. Fruits are dry flattened spiny or small oval glabrous, two-winged mericarp. “Golpar, Persian hogweed” is a perennial herb that generally grows up to 50–120 cm with the straight red-brown stems, densely haired in base. Its leaves are alternate with blunt-toothed margins, glabrous and pinnate. The flowers are pale white with five petals and five stamens. The fruits are ridged schizocarp obovate.
The Heracleum species, especially Heracleum persicum Desf. ex Fisch (Golpar), “Tromsøpalme” in Scandinavian region and “Persischer bӓrenklau” in Germany used as most important traditional medicinal plant as well as spices in cooking and aromatherapy in many regions of the world [1]. Golpar traditionally is widely used for the treatment of various complications include flatulence, stomachache also is well known for therapeutic out come on epilepsy, pain, infectious conditions.
Golpar has a long history of use for a number of culinary and edible uses in West Asia (such as a vegetable, as a tea with an anise-like flavor, as well as incense (burnt leaves and fruits). The Golpar young stems also used for making pickles. its fruits are used as spices as flavoring ingredient in food products. In addition to the Golpar as well-known spices, other Heracleum species are very popular in Canada (tea), France (liqueurs), Britain, South East Asia (food flavoring), and China (edible vegetable)[2-4]. Through scientific reports, Golpar and its essential oil exhibited antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepatoprotective activities and antioxidant properties.
- persicum has several classes of natural chemicals including volatile (aliphatic esters, carbonyls, phenyl propenes and terpenes) and nonvolatile (flavonoids, furanocoumarins, tannins and alkaloids) compounds.
- persicum essential oil contains four main categories of compounds include monoterpenes, aliphatic esters, carbonyl compounds, and phenylpropenes[1].
High amount of aliphatic esters reported from the aerial parts and fruits of this plant, such as hexyl butyrate (10%–65.6%), octyl acetate (7.5%–40.8%), hexyl isobutyrate (0.7%–9.1%), hexyl 2-methyl butanoate (5.2%–8.57%), dodecenyl acetate (7.81%) and octyl butyrate (0.9%–6.6%). Additionally other compounds include terpenoids (α-bergamotene, terpinolene, γ-terpinene, limonene (trace), pulegone, ρ-cymene (trace), β-pinene, (E)-β-ocimene (trace) and linalool (trace) also were repoted. Some of the other important compounds include sesquiterpene (spathulenol, viridiflorol, α-farnesene, α -caryophylene, as well as phenylpropenes (trans-anethole, cis-anethole, estragole, and myristicin[5].
**This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
Chemical composition (%) some of Heracleum spp. essential oil from Europe and Asia
|
|
Poland |
Iran |
|
n-Octyl butanoate |
8.88 |
9.98 |
|
n-Octyl acetate |
19.92 |
22 |
|
n-Octanol |
10.3 |
3.63 |
|
Hexyl butanoate |
2-8 |
15-26 |
|
n-Hexyl acetate |
5-7 |
1-3 |
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.
2- 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.
3- 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.
4- 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.
5- 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.
References
1- Z. Majidi and S. S. J. J. o. i. m. Lamardi, 2018, 16, 223.
2- T. Radjabian, A. Salimi, N. J. C. Rahmani and biodiversity, 2014, 11, 1945.
3 - L. W. Li Wei, C. L. Chen LinLin, W. C. Wu Chun and X. J. Xin JiaYing, 2013.
4- J. A. Johnson, D. Webster and C. A. J. J. o. e. Gray, 2013, 147, 232.
5- M. B. Bahadori, L. Dinparast, G. J. C. R. i. F. S. Zengin and F. Safety, 2016, 15, 1018.
