Heracleum spp. (Apiaceae)

Preview this chapter:

Heracleum spp. (Apiaceae), Page 1 of 1

< Previous page | Next page > /docserver/preview/fulltext/9789815274318/chapter-7-1.gif

Heracleum L. genus has been used for many years for medicinal purposes and also as food and spice. Heracleum species contain flavonoids, coumarins, lignans, sterols, and volatile compounds, and due to these secondary metabolites, members of the genus have many biological activities such as analgesic, anti-diabetic, vasodilator, and cytotoxic activities. Heracleum species are considered a public health hazard since they cause phototoxic reactions when skin is exposed to the sap and then UV rays. Compounds responsible for this effect in Heracleum species are furanocoumarins such as sphondin, bergapten, and pimpinellin. When we search the case reports found in the literature, we can see that the species responsible for toxicity are usually identified as H. mantegazzianum Sommier &amp; Levier, H. laciniatum Desf. (Syn. H. sphondylium subsp. sphondylium), and H. sphondylium L. The most common adverse effects are blisters, skin burns, and erythema.&nbsp;