Surajmukhi (Helianthus annuus L.): Medicinal Importance in Unani Literature and Modern Evidence

Year : 2025 | Volume : 14 | 03 | Page :
    By

    Abudullah,

  • Yasmeen khan,

  • Labeeb Shaida,

  • Abdul kabeer,

  • Nilophar,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology), Deoband Unani Medical College Hospital& Research Centre Deoband, Uttar Pradesh, India
  2. P.G.Scholar, Department of Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology), National Research Institute of Unani Medicine for Skin Disorders Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  3. P.G.Scholar, Department of Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology), National Research Institute of Unani Medicine for Skin Disorders Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  4. P.G.Scholar, Department of Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology), National Research Institute of Unani Medicine for Skin Disorders Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Mahiyatul amraz (Pathology), Deoband Unani Medical College Hospital& Research Centre, Deoband, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Helianthus annuus L. (Sunflower), belonging to the family Asteraceae, is a well-recognized plant in both traditional and modern systems of medicine. In Unani medicine, it is described under the name “Shams-ul-Nahar,” attributed with specific Mizaj (temperament) and pharmacological actions. The plant is considered to possess a hot and moist temperament (Har Ratab), and different parts, including its seeds, oil, and leaves, have been employed in classical formulations. Sunflower seeds are recognized as nutritive, demulcent, and mild laxative, while the oil is valued for its emollient, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. The flower has been mentioned for its analgesic and diuretic potential. However, Unani scholars also caution its use in individuals with hot temperament and in disorders related to the spleen, indicating a nuanced therapeutic application. Contemporary pharmacological studies corroborate many of these traditional claims, demonstrating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial activities of H. annuus. This integration of Unani concepts with modern evidence highlights the significance of sunflower as a medicinal plant with potential applications in gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and inflammatory disorders. Further scientific validation and clinical research are warranted to standardize its use and to ensure safe therapeutic application in alignment with the principles of Unani medicine. Methodology: This is a narrative review article. Unani classical literature such as Al-Qanoon fi’l-Tibb, Khazain al-Advia, Makhzan-ul-Mufradat Nadkarni KM – Indian Materia Medica, were manually searched in the central library of National Rearch Institute of Unani Medicine for skin Disorders, Hyderabad and Qamar liberary Deoband Unani Medical College Hospital & Research Centre. We also searched online bibliographic databases such as pubmed, google scholar.Standard Unani Medical Terminology published by Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine, New Delhi was referred to describe the Unani terminologies. Result: In this `study , 11 classical Unani books , 4 original research article, and   5 review article were reviewed. It has been found that famous Unani scholar like Ibn-Sina and Najmul Ghani have documented the medicinal use of Gul-e-Aftab in their books. Sunflower plant is a annual herb with a herbaceous (non woody) stem.  The scientific name Helianthus annuus L. comes from the Greek words helios (sun) and anthos (flower), referring to the sunflower’s sun-like appearance and its heliotropic behavior, and the Latin word annuus meaning annual, distinguishing it from perennial sunflowers. In Classical Unani Literature Gul-e-Aftab commonly known as Sunflower, is a well-known ornamental and medicinal plant. The name reflects its heliotropic nature- the flower follows the movement of the sun. In Unani medicine, it is valued for both its nutritive and therapeutic properties. The plant provides seeds, oil, flowers, and leaves as medicinal parts. Seeds are rich in oil, proteins, and minerals, making them an important source of nutrition and medicine. Oil is used both internally and externally in various ailments.  Gul-e-Aftab has been reported for numerous pharmacological activity such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antitumor, anti-asthmatic, antigen, antipyretic, astringent, anti-hypoglycemic effect, cathartic, diuretic, stimulant, vermifuge, antimicrobial activities, and vulnerable purposes. The cosmetics business has a new future because to the usage of yellow petals as coloring ingredients. Other plant parts, petioles, and young flowers are used as savory treats According to Unani texts, Sunflower seeds and oil used in cardiac weakness and hypertension (due to vasodilatory and lipid-lowering properties). Seeds are employed as nutritive, diuretic, and expectorant. Its oil applied externally for rheumatic pains, ulcers, and skin disorders. Sunflower flowers are used as febrifuge (anti-pyretic). And its leaves used in some formulations as wound healer and anti-inflammatory.

Keywords: Helianthus annuus L. Sunflower, Surajmukhi, Unani medicine, Mizaj, Traditional medicine, Pharmacological activities, Anti-inflammatory, Cardioprotective.

How to cite this article:
Abudullah, Yasmeen khan, Labeeb Shaida, Abdul kabeer, Nilophar. Surajmukhi (Helianthus annuus L.): Medicinal Importance in Unani Literature and Modern Evidence. Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2025; 14(03):-.
How to cite this URL:
Abudullah, Yasmeen khan, Labeeb Shaida, Abdul kabeer, Nilophar. Surajmukhi (Helianthus annuus L.): Medicinal Importance in Unani Literature and Modern Evidence. Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2025; 14(03):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/joayush/article=2025/view=231049


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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
03
Received 10/09/2025
Accepted 22/09/2025
Published 23/09/2025
Publication Time 13 Days
38

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