A Review of the Therapeutic Effects of Viola Odorata Plant in Traditional Iranian Medicine and Modern Medicine

Abstract

Objective: Viola odorata has been used since ancient times. According to Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM) sources, it has a cool and moist temperament and is used for treatment of different diseases. Due to the low side effects and numerous beneficial effects of this plant, this study aims to review its therapeutic effects from the perspective of TIM and modern medicine. Methods: In this review study, a search was conducted for the materials in many TIM books such as Canon of Medicine, Tuhfat al-Momenin, al-Jami’ li-Mufradat al-Adwiya wa’l-Aghdhiya, Al-shamel fi al-Sanaat Al-Tabiat, Makhzan al-Adawiyah, Firdaws al-Hikmah fi al-Tibb, Al-Hawi fi al-Tibb, Khulasat al-Hikmah, as well as the book “PDR for Herbal Medicines”, and for the related studies in online databases such as PubMed and Scopus using the keywords sweet violet, common viola, garden violet, herbal medicine, traditional Iranian medicine. Results: The medicinal forms of Viola odorata in TIM are various and are used for skin, digestive, respiratory, and urinary system diseases. Numerous studies have confirmed the various therapeutic effects of the plant. According to studies in modern medicine, its constituents include volatile oils, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, mucilage, gallates, phenols, vitamin C, coumarin, and Sitosterol. Conclusion: Studies in modern medicine have proven the traditional uses of Viola odorata. However, due to the strong potential of this plant for making various medicinal products from it, more research is needed.