Embedded Files
Toxicity
Toxicity
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms: Blindness, blistering, hyperpigmentation, painful burns, permanent scarring, skin irritation, swelling, vomiting.
Duration of Symptoms: 2 days - Permanent
Rate of Poison: Within 24 - 72 hours
Causes Death: No
Treatment: Wash affected area with soap and cold water. Keep away from sunlight for 48 hours. Hydrocortisone cream can be applied.
One of the largest plants among the apiaceae family, sap from the giant hogweed is known to cause sunburn-like dermatitis when in contact with the plant. The sap is most toxic when the flowers are in bloom. It is often best to immediately treat the affected area like a sunburn, such as applying cool water and keeping it out of the sun. The plant consists of phytotoxins, which means these are toxins that have a reaction to sunlight.
Photo: AnRo0002 - Wikimedia Commons
Even the fruit can cause phototoxicity when touched. However, there are some other chemical components within the fruits that may make the plant even more toxic.
Photo: Rasbak - Wikimedia Commons
License: Creative Commons Share-Alike 3.0
Main Toxin
Main Toxin
Molecular structure of psoralen (ChemDraw)
Psoralen
Psoralen
Psoralen, are secondary metabolites among the furanocoumarin group, that is phototoxic, meaning that the metabolites are harmful when exposed to the sunlight. Upon exposure, psoralen and other furanocoumarins will activate by binding to the DNA and RNA of cells and killing the tissues on the skin. Psoralen may be harmful if swallowed and could potentially cause respiratory irritation.
In other words: Psoralen is a substance found in plants. It belongs to a group called furanocoumarins, which are substances that become harmful (and painful) when exposed to the sunlight. Thus, when psoralen is exposed to the sunlight, it can cause damage. When sunlight hits psoralen, it activates and sticks to the DNA and RNA inside our cells. This can damage or kill skin cells, resulting in a painful burning sensation. If swallowed, psoralen could be harmful and may even cause irritation to the lungs in inhaled.
Other Toxins and Chemical Components
Other Toxins and Chemical Components
Bergapten
Bergapten
Bergapten is a furanocoumarin. Like other furanocoumarins, Bergapten may result in phototoxicity using a similar mechanism as psoralen. This may also be a carcinogen, but has yet to be verified.
In other words: Bergapten is a chemical that can cause skin damage when exposed to the sunlight. Like psoralen, bergapten sticks to DNA and RNA inside of cells and starts to damage them, resulting in the burning sensation on the skin. It is possible that bergapten can cause cancer, but that is not entirely known.
Isopimpinellin
Isopimpinellin
Isopimpinellin is a furanocoumarin. Isopimpinellin inhibits the production of cytochrome P450, which is responsible for detoxification of drugs and other toxic substances. This could potentially result in acute toxicity. Isopimpinellin, with other furanocoumarins, also results in phototoxicity using a similar mechanism as psoralen.
In other words: Isopimpinellin is also a chemical that causes skin damage when exposed to the sunlight. Like psoralen, isopimpinellin sticks to DNA and RNA inside of cells and starts to damage them, resulting in the burning sensation on the skin. In addition, isopimpinellin causes decrease in the production of cytochrome P450, which are enzymes responsible for getting rid of harmful substances in the body. If cytochrome P450 cannot function properly, the body will become poisoned.
Limonene*
Limonene*
Limonene is a monoterpenoid compound that can be fatal if ingested or inhaled. Limonene has been known to cause respiratory issues by impairing lung functioning and causing shortness of breath. If in contact with limonene, irritation may occur and result in dermatitis. It is also considered an irritant to the eyes, the mouth, the throat, and the gastrointestinal tract.
In other words: Limonene is a type of chemical that can be really harmful if you breathe it in or if you accidentally swallow it. It can mess with your lungs and make it hard for you to breathe. If limonene touches your skin, it might cause irritation and skin rashes. It is also known to irritate your eyes, mouth, throat, and stomach.
Pimpinellin
Pimpinellin
Pimpinellin is a furanocoumarin that blocks GABA receptor proteins, which can result in acute toxicity. Like other furanocouamrins, pimpinellin may result in phototoxicity using a similar mechanism as psoralen. However, pimpinellin may also stunt the growth of carcinoma cells and tumor cells.
In other words: Pimpinellin is also a chemical that causes skin damage when exposed to the sunlight. Like psoralen, pimpinellin sticks to DNA and RNA inside of cells and starts to damage them, resulting in the burning sensation on the skin. In addition, pimpinellin blocks GABA receptor proteins in our body, which can cause the nervous system to fail, as GABA is needed for the nervous system to function properly. This could eventually lead to poisoning of the body.
However, pimpinellin may be able to slow the growth of certain cancer cells and tumors, contrast to bergapten.
5-OMe-Anisocoumarin B
Caffeic Acid
Hydroxycoumarin Isomer 1
Kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside
Marmeisin
Phellopterin
Quercetin -6DH, -6DH
Xanthotoxin
Anethole
Chlorogenic Acid
Imperatorin
Kaempferol-3,7-di-O-rhamnoside
Moslene
Protocatechuic Acid
Quercetin Glycoside
Angelicin
Columbianetin
Isobergapten
Kaempferol Glycoside
Neochlorogenic Acid
Quercetin-3-O-glucoside
Sphodin
Byak-Angelicol
Coumarin Derivative
Kaempferol-3-O-glucoside
Limettin
p-Coumaric Acid
Quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside
Umbelliferone
General Information
General Information
Parts of Plant: Fruit, leaves, sap, stem
Contact Hazard: Sap causes a skin irritation when exposed to sunlight. Causes painful blisters and burns. Some resources mention that damage to plant must occur for there to be a reaction.
Animals Affected: Dogs, horses.
*Cows, sheep, goats, and pigs may consume giant hogweed without harm.
Medicinal Value
Medicinal Value
General Information
General Information
Parts of Plant: All parts
Properties: Allergic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral.
Components: Anthraquinones, Anthraquinones, Beta Sitosterol
Antidote: None known
Preparation: Unknown
Historical Uses
Historical Uses
Current Uses
Current Uses
Treatments
Treatments
None known
Location
Location
None Known
Claimed Treatments
Claimed Treatments
Ascites
Cuts
External Bleeding
Heart Disease
Muscle Sprains
Sore Throat
Location
Location
Unknown
Edibility
Edibility
Parts of Plant: Fruit, seeds.
Nutrients:
Carbohydrates
Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, potassium.
Proteins
Taste: Bitter
WARNING: Insufficient data.
Historical Uses
Historical Uses
Current Uses
Current Uses
Preparation Methods
Preparation Methods
Spice: In Iran, dried fruits.
Preparation Methods
Preparation Methods
Golpar: Seeds used to make a Persian Spice. Used for beans, dressing, lentils, potatoes, soup, stew.
Honey
Spice: In Iran, dried fruits.
Sautéed: Hogweed leaf stalk with the tips of young nettle, wild garlic, coconut oil, red chilli, cracked black pepper, and sea salt.
General Facts
General Facts
Plant Facts
Plant Facts
Illustration of Giant Hogweed by D.A. Wilkerson, M.S.
Family: Apiaceae (Carrot Family)
Genus: Heracleum
Other Names: Cartwheel Flower, Giant Cow Parsley, Giant Cow Parsnip, Hogsbane, Hogsbane Wild Parsnip, Mantegazzi's Cow-Parsnip, Siberian Cow-Parsnip, Wild Rhubarb, Wild Parsnip.
Synonyms: H. circassicum, H. grossheimii, H. montegazzianum.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bloom Colours: Greenish-white, White
Bloom Time: May - October
Type: Perennial or biannual.
Height: 6 - 20 feet (1.8 - 6.1 meters)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Habitat: Fields, forests, meadows, streams, rivers, roadsides, yards. Preference for abundant sunlight and moist soils. Can grow in partial shade.
Origin: Central Asia, Western Caucasus (Eurasia)
States: IN, ME, MD, MS, MA, MI, NH, NY, NC, OH, OR, PE, VT, WA
Provinces: AB, BC, NB, NL, NS, ON, QC, SK
Related Species
Related Species
Heracleum antasiaticum (Hogweed)
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz - Wikimedia Commons
License: CCSA 4.0
Heracleum austriacum (Austrian Hogweed)
Photo: HermannSchachner - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Heracleum lehmannianum (Lehmann's Hogweed)
Photo: Thue - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Heracleum maximum
(Common Cow Parsnip)
Photo: USDA NRCS Montana - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Heracleum persicum
(Persian Hogweed)
Photo: KEBman - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Heracleum sosnowskyi
(Sosnowky's Hogweed)
Photo: Аимаина хикари - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Other Species
Other Species
Heracleum abyssinicum
Heracleum anisactis
Heracleum bailletianum
Heracleum carpaticum
Heracleum cyclocarpum
Heracleum elgonense
Heracleum gorganicum
Heracleum humile
Heracleum jugatum
Heracleum leichtlinii
Heracleum nyalamense
Heracleum ossethicum
Heracleum peshmeniana
Heracleum pulchrum
Heracleum rechingeri
Heracleum scabrum
Heracleum stenopteroides
Heracleum taylorii
Heracleum umbellatum
Heracleum wenchuanense
Heracleum yungningense
Heracleum aconitifolium
Heracleum apiifolium
Heracleum bhutanicum
Heracleum coreanum
Heracleum dalgadianum
Heracleum fargesii
Heracleum grandiflorum
Heracleum incanum
Heracleum kansuense
Heracleum ligusticifolium
Heracleum oncosepalum
Heracleum paphlagonicum
Heracleum pinnatum
Heracleum pumilum
Heracleum x rodnense
Heracleum schansianum
Heracleum stenopterum
Heracleum tenuevittatum
Heracleum vicinum
Heracleum wolongense
Heracleum akasimontanum
Heracleum arcticum
Heracleum biternatum
Heracleum crenatifolium
Heracleum dissectifolium
Heracleum forrestii
Heracleum hemsleyanum
Heracleum insigne
Heracleum kingdonii
Heracleum likiangense
Heracleum oreocharis
Heracleum pastinaca
Heracleum ponticum
Heracleum rapula
Heracleum roseum
Heracleum sommieri
Heracleum subglabrum
Heracleum tiliifolium
Heracleum villosum
Heracleum woodii
Heracleum amanum
Heracleum asperum
Heracleum brignoliifolia
Heracleum cuneiforme
Heracleum egrissicum
Heracleum franchetii
Heracleum henryi
Heracleum jacquemontii
Heracleum kurdistanicum
Heracleum moellendorffii
Heracleum orphanidis
Heracleum pastinacifolium
Heracleum pubescens
Heracleum rawianum
Heracleum scabridum
Heracleum souliei
Heracleum subtomentellum
Heracleum tuberosum
Heracleum viscosum
Heracleum xiaojinense
Family Connection
Family Connection
Sources
Sources
Toxicity Section
Toxicity Section
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. From https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304540062_The_Genus_Heracleum_A_Comprehensive_Review_on_Its_Phytochemistry_Pharmacology_and_Ethnobotanical_Values_as_a_Useful_Herb
Compound Interest. (2017). The chemistry of Giant Hogweed and how it causes skin burns. From https://www.compoundchem.com/2017/08/03/gianthogweed/
Crampton. L. (2022). Giant Hogweed and Grapefruit: Effects of Furanocoumarins. Owlcation. From https://owlcation.com/stem/Giant-Hogweed-and-Grapefruit-Juice-Furanocoumarins-in-Plants
Cuddington, K., Sobek-Swant, S., Drake, J., Lee, W., & Brook, M. (2022). Risks of giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) range increase in North America. Biological Invasions, 1-16. From https://www.proquest.com/docview/2617592594?pq-origsite=gscholar&fromopenview=true&sourcetype=Scholarly Journals
Department of Environmental Conservation. (n.d.). Giant Hogweed. From https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/39809.html
Gruľová, D., Baranová, B., Eliašová, A., Brun, C., Fejér, J., Kron, I., ... & Sedlák, V. (2024). Does the Invasive Heracleum mantegazzianum Influence Other Species by Allelopathy?. Plants, 13(10), 1333. From https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/13/10/1333
Gucker, C. L. (2009). Heracleum Mantegazzianum. U.S. Department of Agriculture. From https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/herman/all.html#2
HealthBenefitstimes.com. (n.d.). Facts about Giant Hogweed ~ Heracleum mantegazziaunum. From https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/giant-hogweed/
Largo, M. (2014). The Big, Bad Book of Botany: The World's Most Fascinating Flora. HarperCollins Publishers. (pp.153-155)
Müllerová, J. (2024). Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed). From https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.1079/cabicompendium.26911
O'Neill, C. R. (2007). Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) - Poisonous Invader of the Northeast. New York Sea Grant. From https://seagrant.sunysb.edu/ais/pdfs/GiantHogweedFactsheet.pdf
Oregon Department of Agriculture. (2009). Plant Pest Risk Assessment for Giant Hogweed, Heracleum mantegazziaunum. From https://www.oregon.gov/oda/shared/Documents/Publications/Weeds/PlantPestRiskAssessmentGiantHogweed.pdf
Passey Place Vets. (n.d.). Hog Weed Rash in Dogs. From https://passeyplacevets.co.uk/2020/05/26/hog-weed-rash-in-dogs/
Patocka, J., & Cupalova, K. GIANT HOGWEED AND PHOTODERMATITIS. From http://www.mmsl.cz/pdfs/mms/2017/03/06.pdf
Poison Control National Capital Poison Center. (n.d.). Giant Hogweed and Its Toxic Cousins. From https://www.poison.org/articles/giant-hogweed-and-its-toxic-cousins-193
Seasonal News. (2015). Hogweed. From https://www.vpisglobal.com/2015/08/04/hogweed/
Stewart, A. (2009). Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill. (pp. 95)
Tiley, G. E., Dodd, F. S., & Wade, P. M. (1996). Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier & Levier. Journal of Ecology, 84(2), 297-319. From https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/2261365.pdf?casa_token=qUdDypivMo4AAAAA:2S9j0tBqt9KU3lLtTKnUEyydaZWtcxcrc9mDvmnP53sMeXMBW5XWOtqDcCb3Rf3CfwbasVkMLPVR5DbgKDy5N3ZeiTIkdk27ysnOQXICxaazMmTMesG3
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). Giant Hogweed. From https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/fact/GiantHogweed.html
*Limonene information obtained from Belladonna
Medicinal Value Section (Insufficient Data)
Medicinal Value Section (Insufficient Data)
Herbpathy. (n.d.). Giant Hogweed Herbs Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients. From https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Giant-Hogweed-Cid537#google_vignette
Hosseinzadeh, Z., Ramazani, A., & Razzaghi-Asl, N. (2019). Plants of the Genus Heracleum as a Source of Coumarin and Furanocoumarin. Journal of Chemical Reviews, 1(2), 78-98.
Müllerová, J. (2024). Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed). From https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.1079/cabicompendium.26911
Walasek, M., Grzegorczyk, A., Malm, A., & Skalicka-Woźniak, K. (2015). Bioactivity-guided isolation of antimicrobial coumarins from Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier & Levier (Apiaceae) fruits by high-performance counter-current chromatography. Food chemistry, 186, 133-138. From https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814615001764
Edibility Section
Edibility Section
Gucker, C. L. (2009). Heracleum Mantegazzianum. U.S. Department of Agriculture. From https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/herman/all.html#2
Harford, R. (2019). Sauteed Hogweed Leaf Stalks With Nettles & Wild Garlic. Eat Weeds. From https://www.eatweeds.co.uk/hogweed-stalk-recipe
HealthBenefitstimes.com. (n.d.). Facts about Giant Hogweed ~ Heracleum mantegazziaunum. From https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/giant-hogweed/
Herbpathy. (n.d.). Giant Hogweed Herbs Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients. From https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Giant-Hogweed-Cid537#google_vignette
Müllerová, J. (2024). Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed). From https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.1079/cabicompendium.26911
Oregon Department of Agriculture. (2009). Plant Pest Risk Assessment for Giant Hogweed, Heracleum mantegazziaunum. From https://www.oregon.gov/oda/shared/Documents/Publications/Weeds/PlantPestRiskAssessmentGiantHogweed.pdf
Pysek, P., & Cock, M. J. W. (2007). Ecology and management of giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum). CABI. From http://sherekashmir.informaticspublishing.com/680/1/9781845932060.pdf#page=258
General Facts Section
General Facts Section
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. From https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304540062_The_Genus_Heracleum_A_Comprehensive_Review_on_Its_Phytochemistry_Pharmacology_and_Ethnobotanical_Values_as_a_Useful_Herb
Dave's Garden. (n.d.). Giant Hogweed. From https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1141/
Department of Environmental Conservation. (n.d.). Giant Hogweed. From https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/39809.html
Gucker, C. L. (2009). Heracleum Mantegazzianum. U.S. Department of Agriculture. From https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/herman/all.html#2
Hattendorf, J., Hansen, S. O., & Nentwig, W. (2007). Defence systems of Heracleum mantegazzianum (pp. 209-25). Wallingford, UK: CABI.
HealthBenefitstimes.com. (n.d.). Facts about Giant Hogweed ~ Heracleum mantegazziaunum. From https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/giant-hogweed/
Largo, M. (2014). The Big, Bad Book of Botany: The World's Most Fascinating Flora. HarperCollins Publishers. (pp.153-155)
Müllerová, J. (2024). Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed). From https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.1079/cabicompendium.26911
O'Neill, C. R. (2007). Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) - Poisonous Invader of the Northeast. New York Sea Grant. From https://seagrant.sunysb.edu/ais/pdfs/GiantHogweedFactsheet.pdf
Passey Place Vets. (n.d.). Hog Weed Rash in Dogs. From https://passeyplacevets.co.uk/2020/05/26/hog-weed-rash-in-dogs/
Poison Control National Capital Poison Center. (n.d.). Giant Hogweed and Its Toxic Cousins. From https://www.poison.org/articles/giant-hogweed-and-its-toxic-cousins-193
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). Giant Hogweed. From https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/fact/GiantHogweed.html
Date of page creation: July 25, 2022
Updated page: July 4, 2024
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse