Heracleum spp. (Apiaceae)

<i>Heracleum</i> L. genus has been used for many years for medicinal purposes and also as food and spice. <i>Heracleum</i> 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.<i> Heracleum</i> 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 <i>Heracleum</i> 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 <i>H. mantegazzianum</i> Sommier &amp; Levier, <i>H. laciniatum</i> Desf. (Syn. <i>H. sphondylium </i>subsp. sphondylium), and H. sphondylium L. The most common adverse effects are blisters, skin burns, and erythema.