Helianthus tuberosus
Helianthus tuberosus, commonly known as Jerusalem artichoke, is a perennial sunflower valued for its edible tubers. Rich in inulin, this nutritious plant offers significant digestive benefits and serves as a sustainable food source. Beyond its culinary uses, it holds great potential in traditional medicine and modern functional nutrition.
- Scientific name: Helianthus tuberosus
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Helianthus, which includes the species Helianthus tuberosus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Helianthus | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing in Great Britain and Ireland. Its presence extends further north into the territories of Norway and Sweden. Additionally, the species is documented within the landscape of Middle Europe, specifically in Austria. Together, these locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in diverse European climates.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands | WCVP |
Chemicals
Helianthus tuberosus has 15 reported phytochemicals identified across 15 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Al, Ca, Cr, Cu, Mg.
- Total chemicals
- 15
- Scientific sources
- 15
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Al | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Ca | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cr | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cu | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mg | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| P | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Si | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Sr | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| butanol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| citric | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Helianthus tuberosus has 3 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Helianthus tuberosus has 13 reported medicinal uses identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include acne, antidiabetic, breast cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Total uses
- 13
- Scientific sources
- 13
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| acne | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cardiovascular diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chronic fatigue syndrome | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| constipation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastric mucosa | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| heavy metals | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| immune system disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| low blood pressure | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |