Heracleum Persicum

Heracleum persicum, commonly known as Persian hogweed or by its native name Golpar is a species of hogweed, a perennial herbaceous plant in the carrot family Apiaceae. It grows wild in humid mountainous regions in Iran and some adjacent areas. Having been introduced in the 1830s, it has spread across Scandinavia.

Heracleum persicum is a perennial herb that is generally 1.5-2.5 m tall and sometimes grows up to 3.0 m.

This plant is widely used as a spice in Persian food. In Persian cuisine, the petals are used in the spice mixture advieh to flavor rice dishes, as well as in chicken, Fish and bean dishes. The tender leaves and leaf stalks can also be pickled.

Heracleum persicum is used for various medicinal purposes including treatment of neurological, gastrointestinal, respiratory tract, urinary tract and rheumatological problems in Iranian traditional medicine. Herbal medicine observations have shown some antioxidant, anticonvulsant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, immune modulatory and cytotoxic effects.

Medicinal uses

• Heracleum persicum might simulate both humoral as well as cellular arms of the immune system.
• It has been known to be beneficial for prevention against numerous diseases such as cancer. The high amounts of anti-oxidants present in this herb have a strong impact on free radicals and thereby reducing the chances any serious illness.
• It is known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
• This herb is known to be effective in treating symptoms of serious issues such as arthritis as well as rheumatism.
• Heracleum persicum is known to have anti-microbial and anti-viral effects. This herb has been known to have numerous anti-microbial effects and anti-viral effects and is known to be helpful in treating external wounds and infections.
• Heracleum persicum extract can have antidiabetic beneficial effects as improved functions of pancreatic β-cells.
• Heracleum persicum extract can have antihyperglycemic effects as lowered the level of blood glucose.
• The plant extract supplementation can have antioxidative role as lowered malondialdehyde content.