Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus Tuberosus L.): A Comprehensive Review of Cultivation Technology and Its Significance as A Medicinal and Functional Food Plant

Abstract

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is a hardy perennial tuberous plant of the Asteraceae family that has attracted renewed scientific and industrial attention as a multipurpose crop combining low-input cultivation requirements with exceptional functional-food and medicinal value. This review synthesizes evidence from 25 international peer-reviewed sources published between 2007 and 2024, with the dual objective of summarizing modern cultivation technology and elucidating the plant’s significance as a source of bioactive compounds for human health.

The review demonstrates that Jerusalem artichoke produces tuber yields of 30–80 t/ha with minimal fertilizer input (60–90 kg N/ha) and exhibits strong tolerance to drought, frost (–30 °C), and pest pressure. Tubers contain 14–20% inulin on a fresh-weight basis (60–80% of dry matter), 1–3% protein with a complete essential amino acid profile, substantial potassium and iron, and bioactive phenolics including chlorogenic and caffeic acids. Inulin acts as a non-digestible fructan prebiotic that selectively stimulates Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, lowers postprandial glycemia, reduces serum LDL cholesterol by 7–15%, enhances calcium and magnesium absorption by 18–25%, and supports satiety and weight management. Clinical and preclinical evidence further supports antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-carcinogenic activities. As a functional food ingredient, Jerusalem-artichoke inulin and powder are successfully applied in bakery (5–10% wheat-flour substitution), dairy fermented products, gluten-free pasta, low-calorie confectionery, meat fiber enrichment, infant formula, and as a coffee substitute. The review identifies tuber storage instability, limited variety improvement, and underdeveloped processing infrastructure as principal constraints, and highlights the strong potential for cultivation expansion in Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries given the crop’s low water demand and high resilience under continental-arid conditions.