Content of Coumarins in Various Organs of Sosnovsky’s Hogweed (Heracleum Sosnowski Mandena)

Abstract

In alcohol extracts of dried shoots, leaves, stems, and seeds of Heracleum sosnowski Mandena collected at different periods of plant growth, the content of coumarins was determined by spectrophotometry. The highest content of coumarins was revealed in seeds. Young shoots contain the least amount of coumarins. The author concludes that for effective use of Heracleum sosnowski Mandena as a source of coumarins it is most beneficial to use its seeds. Consequently, the plant must follow a complete development period. The control of the spread of Heracleum sosnowski Mandena is aimed at destroying the plants before seeds are ripe. Mechanical and chemical methods are intended to destroy plant shoots. Therefore it seems impossible to combine the control of hogweed and the processes of extracting coumarins from it. Special areas are required for hogweed to grow in order to obtain coumarins from it. It is also necessary to provide for strict measures to keep the plant within the territory intended for it. Special requirements are imposed on ecological factors of the territory.