Halianthus anus

Helianthus anuus L.

Botanical Name:           Helianthus anuus L.Helianthus-Anuu-L

Synonyms:                    Helianthus aridus Rydb.

Kingdom:                      Plantae

Order:                           Asterales

Family:                         Asteraceae

Genus:                         Helianthus

Species:                       H. annus

Local Name:                Sooraj mukhi

Sindhi Name:               Surajmuki jo gul

English Name:             Sun flower

Part used:                    All parts

Description

H. annus is an errect and annual herb. Leaves are ovate and pubescent. Flowers are bright yellow in color. Fruit is compressed.1

 Occurrence

H. annus is native to America. It is also cultivated in India, Russia, Argentina, china, USA, and France.In Pakistan, it is successfully cultivated in Thatha, Badin, Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, Tando Allah Yar, Umar Kot, Nawabshah, Multan, Vehari, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, Bahawal Nagar, Muzafar Garh, Rajan Pur, and Layyah. 2,3

 Constituents

Seed of H. annus contain linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmatic acid, and arachic acid. Oil contains tocopherols (α, β, γ and δ) and phytosterol (beta sitosterol). Plant also contains caffeic acid, clorogenic acid, and dicaffeoylquinic acid.4,5,6

 

 Chemical Structures:

Helianthus-Anuus-L.

 

Medicinal Uses and Pharmacological/Scientific Studies

Seeds of H. annus are used for the treatment of bronchial, laryngeal, and pulmonary diseases.7  Crushed leaves are used as a poultice on sores, swellings, snakebites, and spider bites. Tea, made from the flowers, is used for the treatment of malaria and lung ailments. Decoction of the roots is beneficial for  rheumatic aches and also possess febrifuge, and diuretic properties.5,8   It is reported that oil of H. annus have ability to decrease the risk of coronary and arterial diseases.5 Plant possessed antioxidant, antitumor, antiasthmatic, antipyretic, astringent, antihypoglycemic, antifungal, cathartic, diuretic, stimulant, vermifuge, and  antimicrobial  activities.9

References

  1. Pullaih, T. (2006). “Encyclopedia of World Medicinal Plants”, 3 p: 1066, Regency Publications, New Delhi, India.
  2. Arshad, M., Khan, M. A., Jadoon, S. A., and Mohmand, A. S. (2010). “Factor Analysis in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus ) To Investigate Desirable Hybrids”. Pakistan Journal of Botany, 42(6). p :4393-4402.
  3. http://www.pkhope.com/sun-flower-cultivation-production-and-uses-in-sindh-pakistan/.
  4. Dwivedi, A., and Sharma, G. N. (2014). “A Review on Heliotropism plant: Helianthus annuus L”. The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 3(2). p: 149-155.
  5. Khare, C.P. (2007). “Indian Medicinal Plants”, p: 304, Springer Science Publication, New York, U.S.A.
  6. Thomas, S.,C.,Li. (2000). “Medicinal Plants: Culture, Utilization and Phytopharmacology”, p: 23, CRC Press, Boca Raton, London, New York, Washington, D.C.
  7. http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/s/sunfl100.html.
  8. http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/h/helianthus-annuus=sunflower.php.
  9. Bashir, T., Mashwani, Z.U.R., Zahara, K., Haider, S., Tabassum S., and Mudrikah. (2015). “Chemistry, Pharmacology and Ethnomedicinal Uses of Helianthus annuus (Sunflower): A Review”. Pure and Applied Biology, 4(2). p: 226-235.