The exploitation of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seed and other parts for human nutrition, medicine and the industry

Abstract Sunflower is cultivated around the globe to meet various nutritional, medicinal and industrial needs. The seed is a rich source of edible oil, protein, vitamins, antioxidants and other micronutrients. It is considered a source of healthy diets and has been recommended to improve the human immune system as well as to cure various chronic diseases. Sunflower seed oil contained polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid), tocopherols and phytosterols, which tends to lower low-density lipid and improve immunity against various human diseases. Its seed and plants parts have been directly exploited as a source of herbal medicine. Methanolic extract of seed and other parts contained diterpene, carboxylic acid, aldehyde, steroid, polyphenol, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, trans-caffeic acid, coumaric acid, nicotinic acid, allelochemical and other aromatic compounds, which may help to cure several chronic human diseases without side effects as mentioned in this review. Future research should be carried out to fully exploit the usefulness of this plant against epidemic outbreaks.