Hogweed

Hogweed (Heracleum) is a genus of the umbellifer family (Apiaceae) native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It comprises several species, including common hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) and giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), an invasive species. Hogweed species play an important role in nature, but they are also known for their potential dangers, particularly due to phototoxic substances.

What are the benefits of hogweed?

Certain species of hogweed are traditionally used in folk medicine. Common hogweed was used as a remedy, among other things, and was said to have digestion-stimulating and anti-inflammatory properties in particular. Studies have investigated the effects of various Heracleum species. Below you will find both traditional uses and findings from research:

  • Digestion-stimulating: Extracts of the plant were traditionally used to stimulate digestion.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Some studies indicate that constituents such as furanocoumarins could have anti-inflammatory effects (1,2,3).
  • Pain-relieving: In folk medicine, common hogweed was used to relieve muscle pain (4), and studies have also been able to link hogweed species to a pain-relieving effect (3).

Risks and Side Effects

Giant hogweed in particular is known for its phototoxic properties, which are caused by contact with furanocoumarins:

  • Skin irritation: On contact with sunlight, the plant sap can cause severe burns, known as phytophotodermatitis (5).
  • Allergic reactions: Contact can cause skin rashes in sensitive individuals.
  • Danger to the environment: The invasive giant hogweed displaces native plants and alters the ecological balance.

How does hogweed work?

The effects and dangers of hogweed are based on its chemical constituents:

  • Furanocoumarins: These substances interact with UV radiation and can trigger phototoxic reactions (5). However, studies have also linked them to anti-inflammatory properties (1,2)
  • Essential oils: The oils it contains are presumed to give the plant, among other things, its potentially therapeutic properties (6).
  • Polyphenols: They could have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (7,8).

Use and Intake

Hogweed should be used with caution. Fresh plants or extracts should only be used under medical supervision, particularly due to the phototoxic risks.

Conclusion

Hogweed is a versatile plant with both traditional medicinal uses and considerable risks. While common hogweed is valued in folk medicine, the invasive giant hogweed in particular poses health and ecological dangers. The plant should always be handled with caution.

Sources:

  1. Dehghan, Hossein & Sarrafi, Yaghoub & Salehi, Peyman & Nejad Ebrahimi, Samad. (2017). α-Glucosidase inhibitory and antioxidant activity of furanocoumarins from Heracleum persicum. Medicinal Chemistry Research. 26. 10.1007/s00044-017-1796-y.
  2. Song, H. Y., Jo, A., Shin, J., Lim, E. H., Lee, Y. E., Jeong, D. E., & Lee, M. (2019). Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Isogosferol, a Furanocoumarin Isolated from Citrus junos Seed Shells through Bioactivity-Guided Fractionation. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 24(22), 4088. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24224088
  3. Hajhashemi, V., Sajjadi, S. E., & Heshmati, M. (2009). Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Heracleum persicum essential oil and hydroalcoholic extract in animal models. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 124(3), 475–480. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2009.05.012
  4. Bahadori, M. B., Dinparast, L., & Zengin, G. (2016). The Genus Heracleum: A Comprehensive Review on Its Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Ethnobotanical Values as a Useful Herb. Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety, 15(6), 1018–1039. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12222
  5. Flanagan, K. E., Blankenship, K., & Houk, L. (2021). Botanical Briefs: Phytophotodermatitis Caused by Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum). Cutis, 108(5), 251–253. https://doi.org/10.12788/cutis.0389
  6. Pezantes-Orellana C, German Bermúdez F, Matías De la Cruz C, Montalvo JL, Orellana-Manzano A. Essential oils: a systematic review on revolutionizing health, nutrition, and omics for optimal well-being. Front Med (Lausanne). 2024 Feb 16;11:1337785. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1337785. PMID: 38435393; PMCID: PMC10905622.
  7. Tsao R. Chemistry and biochemistry of dietary polyphenols. Nutrients. 2010 Dec;2(12):1231-46. doi: 10.3390/nu2121231. Epub 2010 Dec 10. PMID: 22254006; PMCID: PMC3257627.
  8. Rudrapal, M., Khairnar, S. J., Khan, J., Dukhyil, A. B., Ansari, M. A., Alomary, M. N., Alshabrmi, F. M., Palai, S., Deb, P. K., & Devi, R. (2022). Dietary Polyphenols and Their Role in Oxidative Stress-Induced Human Diseases: Insights Into Protective Effects, Antioxidant Potentials and Mechanism(s) of Action. Frontiers in pharmacology, 13, 806470. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.806470