Inula helenium , inulin

N.A. Inula helenium L. Inulin, resin, mucilage, helenalin, dammaranedienol." For asthma, chest cold, stomach ulcers, antitussive, diuretic, antiseptic. 

The term inulin first appeared in the literature in 1818 (Thomson, 1818), predating the discovery of fructose by about 30 years. It was ascribed to a substance, first isolated from elecampagne (Inula helenium L.) in 1804 (Rose, 1804). Jerusalem artichoke was first recorded as a source of inulin in around 1870. The actual linear structure of the molecule was not elucidated until the 1950s, and the small degree of branching that can occur only in the mid-1990s (De Leenheer and Hoebregs, 1994). As a polymer of fructose, inulin is classified as a fructan of which there are several types... 

INULIN Inulin is a polymer of D-fructose molecules (fructofuranose), which are linked to each other in fi-2.1 bonds. There is a terminal glucose molecule. Inulin occurs as a reserve food instead of starch in plants, mainly within the family Asteraceae for example Inula helenium L., Asteraceae. In the form of a 10% aqueous solution inulin is used in tests of kidney function (like mannitol). Inulin is not absorbed or metabolised. Since there is no reabsorption in the tubules, the rate of excretion is a measure of the function of the glomerulus (inulin clearance). 

Inula. Elecampane scabwort elfwort horseheal. Dried rhizome and toots of Inula helenium L., Compositae. Habit Central Asia, Europe naturalized in U.S. Constii Inulin, volatile oil, alantol, helenin. atomic acid, acrid resin. 

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