Furanocoumarins of Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden.: contribution to antimicrobial activity

Introduction. Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden. is a dangerous invasive species containing phototoxic furanocoumarins (FCs). Despite their known cytotoxicity, the antimicrobial potential of FCs has been insufficiently studied, and the contribution of FCs to the overall effect of plant extracts, taking into account technological parameters, has not been established.

Aim. A comprehensive assessment of the contribution of furanocoumarins to the antimicrobial activity of extraction products from Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden. herb, depending on the nature of the extractant, temperature, and degree of purification.

Materials and methods. Ten extraction products were obtained from raw materials collected in Perm Krai, grouped according to the principle "from native raw materials to individual compounds": juice, hexane extracts (with and without heating), petroleum ether extract, alcohol extracts from defatted raw materials, a total FC fraction, and three enriched fractions (xanthotoxin + psoralen, angelicin + bergapten, angelicin + psoralen + bergapten). The composition was analyzed by TLC and HPLC. Antimicrobial activity was determined against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans using the microdilution method.

Results and discussion. HPLC analysis revealed significant differences in the FC profiles. The juice contained a minimum of FCs (~6 %) and was inactive (MIC > 5000 μg/mL). Alcohol extracts from defatted raw materials (FC content 34–60 %) showed low activity (MIC 2500–5000 μg/mL). Lipophilic extracts (hexane, petroleum ether) were characterized by high FC content (80–98 %) and moderate activity (MIC 625–2500 μg/mL); heating during hexane extraction increased the proportion of angelicin and activity against Escherichia coli. The total FC fraction (96 % FC, predominance of angelicin) exhibited high activity (MIC 625–1250 μg/mL). The enriched fractions demonstrated the highest efficacy (MIC 62.5–250 μg/mL), with the three-component mixture (angelicin + psoralen + bergapten) outperforming binary mixtures, indicating synergism.

Conclusion. Furanocoumarins are the main carriers of antimicrobial activity in Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden. extracts. Polar components (pigments) make a minor contribution. Extraction efficiency depends on the method: heating with hexane and the use of petroleum ether (a cost-effective alternative) ensure maximum recovery of active FCs. The purified total FC fraction and enriched fractions, especially the three-component one, represent promising candidates for further development of antimicrobial drugs.

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