Background:
Plants of the genus Inula are perennial herbs of the family Asteraceae. This
genus includes more than 100 species, widely distributed throughout Europe, Africa and Asia including
India. Many of them are indicated in traditional medicine, e.g., in Ayurveda. This review explores
chemical constituents, medicinal uses and pharmacological actions of Inula species.
Methods:
Major databases and research and review articles retrieved through Scopus, Web of Science,
and Medline were consulted to obtain information on the pharmacological activities of the genus Inula
published from 1994 to 2017.
Results:
Inula species are used either alone or as an important ingredient of various formulations to cure
dysfunctions of the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, urinary system, central nervous system
and digestive system, and for the treatment of asthma, diabetes, cancers, skin disorders, hepatic disease,
fungal and bacterial infections. A range of phytochemicals including alkaloids, essential and volatile
oils, flavonoids, terpenes, and lactones has been isolated from herbs of the genus Inula, which might
possibly explain traditional uses of these plants.
Conclusion:
The present review is focused on chemical constituents, medicinal uses and pharmacological
actions of Inula species and provides valuable insight into its medicinal potential.