HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (ASTERACEA) : A REVIEW

Abstract

The present review article is an effort to compile all the phytochemical and pharmacological activities of the plant Helianthus annuus (Asteracea). Helianthus annuus is an important oilseed crop around the world. Besides this, it has been utilized as medicines for thousands of years and now there is a growing demand for plant based medicines, health products, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Helianthus annuus is a widely growing plant which is used traditionally as anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, anti-asthmatic, anti-oxidant, anti-tumour and antimicrobial agent. Several phytoconstituents have been isolated and identified from different parts of the plant belonging to the category of alkaloids, glycosides, flavanols, tannins, saponins, sterols and terpenoids. A review of plant description, pytochemical constituents present and their pharmacological activities are given in the present article.