EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF SUNFLOWER AS A SOURCE OF BIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CIRCULAR BIOECONOMY
Maria DUCA, Steliana CLAPCO, Ana MUTU, Angela PORT, Universitatea de Stat din Moldova Oana CRĂCIUNESCU, Elena Iulia OPRIȚA, Elena MIHAI, Institutul Național de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Științe Biologice, București
Аннотация
Sunflower is an important crop for the global agriculture and economy. In the last decades, the use and cultivation
of sunflower has experienced a significant expansion globally, including in the Republic of Moldova.
Phytochemically, sunflower contains a diversity of bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids,
terpenes, tannins, alkaloids, etc. with nutritional and therapeutic effects. Recent studies emphasize the potential of
this plant to become an important source of natural substances with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, useful
in both the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Expanding research on bioactive compounds from different parts of the sunflower plant and promoting sustainable
agriculture practices can open new economic and social perspectives, contributing to human health and environmental conservation.
This review aims to provide a detailed insight into the opportunities offered by the biologically active substances
from sunflower, especially in the context of their application in new formulas of dietary supplements, nutraceuticals
and pharmaceuticals.
Keywords: sunflower, Helianthus annuus L., floral organs, chemical composition, nutritional value, bioactive
substances, medicinal uses.
