Traditional uses, Antimicrobial potential, Pharmacological properties and Phytochemistry of Viola odorata: A Mini Review

Abstract

Viola odorata Linn. is belongs to the family violaceae. It is popularly known as Sweet Violet, English Violet, Common Violet, or Garden Violet and Gulbanafsa in Hindi. V. odorata is commonly used as remedy for coughs, sore throat, hoarseness and tonsillitis. It is valued as an expectorant, antioxidant, diaphoretic, antibacterial, antipyretic, diuretic and as a laxative. The pharmacological studies revealed the role of V. odorata in some Unani drugs for treatment of common cold, asthma, antimicrobial, and cough associated diseases. It is rich in many phytoconstituents such as, saponins, salicylates, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenolics, coumarins, phenolic glycosides, gaultherin, violutoside, saponins, flavonoids, and odoratine. It is an ethnobotanical herb of India. It holds a special position as a potent adaptive and aphrodisiac in Ayurvedic System of Medicine