Synonym(s)
Helianthus annuus; Sunflower
OccurrenceThis section has been translated automatically.
Cultivated on all continents and native to Mexico. Helianthus annuus is a plant from the Asteraceae family (composites).
Field of application/useThis section has been translated automatically.
The flowers in teas and drops, together with other plants, are used in natural medicine to treat varicose symptoms and as an antispasmodic. Fruit components are also contained in psoriasis ointments. Helianthus annuus is a parent plant of:
- Flores Helianthi annui, the extract from the actual sunflowers
- Fructus (Semen) Helinthi annui, the extract from sunflower seeds
- Oleum Helanthi annui, the official sunflower (seed) oil (DAC). Sunflower oil is a light yellow fatty oil obtained from the ripe fruit by half pressing or extraction.
Various extracts and oils of the sunflower are used cosmetically:
- Helianthus annuus extract, the extract from the flowers and seeds of the sunflower.
- Helianthus annuus hybrid oil, the extract from the flowers and seeds of the sunflower.
- Helianthus annuus seed acid, the extract from the flowers and seeds of the sunflower.
- Helianthus annuus seed extract the extract from the seeds of the sunflower
- Helianthus annuus seed oil is the oil obtained by cold pressing from the seeds of the sunflower.
- Helianthus annuus seed oil unsaponifiables is the residue left over from the saponification of sunflower oil as "unsaponifiable ".
- Helianthus annuus seed wax is the wax extracted from the seed.
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Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.
The sesquiterpenlactones found in the sunflower leaves and seeds have considerable antibacterial, fungicidal and cytotoxic effects. The plants cultivated in Central Europe contain mainly Niveusin C and 15-hydroxy-3-dehydrodesoxy-fruticin. Some of the sesquiterpenlactones have been identified as highly effective contact allergens. Sensitizing potency: Medium. Frequency of sensitization: Occasional.
Clinical pictureThis section has been translated automatically.
Allergic contact dermatitis during harvesting and shelling of the kernels has been reported mainly from Hungary. However, contact dermatitis can also be caused by the flowers. Reactions to sunflower extracts are frequently observed in composite allergy sufferers (especially chrysanthemum allergy).
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Crawford GH et al. (2003) Botanical briefs: the sunflower--Helianthus species L. Cutis 71: 110-112
- Hausen BM, Vieluf K (1997) Allergy plants, plant allergens. Ecomed publishing house, Landsberg/Munich, S. 151-153
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer
Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles