THE PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF HELIANTHUS ANNUUS- A REVIEW

Helianthus annuus was used as food and medicine worldwide. It was cultivated basically for its seeds, which give the world's second most important source of edible oil. Phytochemical analysis showed that Helianthus annuus contained carbohydrates, phenolics, flavanoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, phytosterols, steroids, triterpenoids and fixed oils. It possesed many pharmacological effects included antiinflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-plasmodial, antidiabetic, anti-ulcer, antidiarrheal, antihistaminic, reproductive, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-obesity, central nervous system effects and hepato- , nephro- and cardio- protective effects. This review highlighted the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Helianthus annuus. Keywords: chemical constituents, pharmacology, Helianthus annuus