A Review of Viola Odorata use in Persian and Modern Medicine

Introduction: Common viola, scientifically called viola odorata, has had many therapeutic applications since long ago. In Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) sources, it has a cool and wet nature and is used for different diseases. Due to the low side effects and numerous beneficial effects of violet, this review study was conducted to evaluate Viola Odorata from the Persian medicine sources' perspective and its different effects from the new research perspective. Methods: In this library review study, related keywords such as viola odorata, Banafsaj, Garden Violet, Sweet Violet, common viola, Iranian Medicine, Persian Medicine, Traditional Persian Medicine, Phytotherapy in some Traditional Persian Medicine references including pharmacologic, basics and treatments books such as Al-Qanon fi al-Tibb, Tohfe Al-Momenin, Al-Shamil fi Al-Sana'a Al-Tebbia, Makhzan- Al-Advieh, Ferdows al-Hikmah fi al-Teb, Kamel-os-Sanayeh-At-Tebbieh, Al-Havi fi Al-Tibb, Al-Mansuri fi Al-Teb, Kholassat Al-Hekmah, PDR for Herbal Medicines, various databases and electronic resources such as PubMed, and Scopus were explored, and the present text was edited. Results: The medicinal forms of Viola odorata in TPM are various and have been used for skin, digestive, respiratory, and urinary tract diseases. Numerous studies have confirmed the various effects of the violet plant. According to current studies, violet compounds include volatile oils, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, mucilage, galetrin, phenols, vitamin C, coumarin, and Sitosterol. Conclusion: Modern pharmacological studies have proven some of the traditional uses of violet. However, due to the strong potential of this plant to produce various natural remedies, more research is needed.