Chemistry, Pharmacology and Ethnomedicinal Uses of Helianthus annuus (Sunflower): A Review

Helianthus annuus commonly known as "Sunflower" is a well-known plant in India and Pakistan. It is native to North America. It is use in ethnomedicine for treating a number of disease conditions which include heart disease, bronchial, laryngeal and pulmonary affections, coughs and colds and in whooping cough. Helianthus annuus contains various bioactive compounds which include phenol, terpene compounds, carbohydrates, flavanoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, steroids, fixed oil and active proteins all of these contribute to its remedial properties. H. annuus is pharmacologically studied for various activities including ganti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antitumor, antiasthmatic, antigen, antipyretic, astringent, antihypoglycemic effect, antifungal activities, cathartic, diuretic, stimulant, vermifuge, vulneray purposes and antimicrobial activities. The analysis of the phytochemical constituents, uses and pharmacological properties of H. annuus was carried out by using different sources such as medicinal plant databases, ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological books and different published papers. This review presents a reasonable study of the chemical; nutritional and pharmacological properties of H. annuus.