Antiviral Activity of the Essential Oils of Some Heracleum L. Species

ABSTRACT

The antivirus activity of the essential oil from fruit and roots of Heracleum L. species (Apiaceae) was investigated in vivo against influenza Types A and B. The oils, delivered to test animals (mice) by means of oral, intranasal, and inhalation, were distilled in an all-glass Ginsberg's apparatus (as described in the USSR Pharmacopoeia) from autumn-harvested fresh roots and dry, ripe fruits of plants cultivated at the scientific station of the Komarov Botanical Institute of Russian Academy of Science (Leningrad district, Priozerskij area). Investigations on toxicity indicated that essential oils of Heracleum have a toxicity LD₅₀ at the level of 0.2-0.4 ml. The most effective antiviral activity against influenza in mice was observed when the essential oil was mixed with vegetable oil and given orally as a prophylactic. Results of the study also indicated that the essential oil could be effectively used as a disinfectant for sanitation of lodgings and other materials. Investigations indicated the most active antiviral activity was in oil from H. lehmannianum, H. ponticum, H. aconitifolium. Generally, essential oils from roots had more antiviral activity than oils from fruit.

KEYWORDS:

• Heracleum antasiaticum
• H. lehmannianum
• H. ponticum
• H. aconitifolium
• H. stevenii
• Apiaceae
• hogweed
• essential oils
• fruit
• roots
• antiviral activity
• toxicity