Chapter 130 - Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Seeds in Health and Nutrition

Abstract

This chapter explores the potential usages of sunflower seeds in health and nutrition. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seed preparations have found widespread use in traditional medicine. Sunflower seed possesses high food and nutritive value, providing a good source of healthy unsaturated fats, proteins, nutrients, and phytochemicals. It has antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, skin-protective, hypocholesterolemic, analgesic, and antibacterial activities and calming effects on the nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. It is also used in constipation, dysentery, and urinary problems. A variety of sunflower oil (SO) and seed extract preparations are effective against many diseases, like bronchial, laryngeal and pulmonary infections, coughs and cold, etc. A number of studies have been carried out regarding the detailed pharmacology of sunflower. It is a fairly efficient foam destroyer and possesses bactericidal action against many bacteria. A variety of HA seed extract preparations are effective against many diseases and are generally non-toxic in nature. The detailed chemical nature of the active principle(s) responsible for such activities of sunflower seed require more study. However, chemical and phytochemical analyses of the seed reveal that it is a good source of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins E, B1, B5, and B6, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, folate, fiber, iron, zinc, amino acids, diterpenoids, etc. The medicinal potential of sunflower seeds needs to be established and verified by controlled clinical studies.