Background: Herbal medicine is the source of primary health care due to its cultural acceptability and better compatibility with the human body and lesser side effects. Banafsha (Viola odorata Linn) is an important medicinal plant in the Unani system of medicine (USM) due to its multiple therapeutic properties.
Objectives: Present review is aimed at exploring the existing data of the drug on its conventional uses especially in USM, its phytochemical constituents and pharmacological actions.
Materials and Methods: Various authentic data base including classical text, indexed journals have been reviewed and analysis.
Observations and results: The plant is known to treat different systemic ailments due to the presence of volatile oil, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, phenolic compounds, triterpines, sterols, resins, tannins and anthocyanins. In USM, the pharmacological actions of Banafsha are Sual Yabis (Dry cough), Mushil-i-Balgham (Purgative of Phlegm) Mulattif (Demulcent), Muhallil-i-Waram (Resolvent), Mushil wa Muaddil Safra (Purgative of yellow bile), Musakkin-i-Atash (Thirst Quenching), Mulayyan (Laxative) etc. Banafsha is reported for its anti-asthmatic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepato-protective, and hypnotic activity etc.
Conclusion: Present study explores the pharmacological, phytochemical and therapeutic properties of Viola odorata Linn. Many pharmacological activity mentioned in Unani medicine is validated and many activity needs further exploration owing to immense therapeutic scope in this drug.
Key words: Banafsha, Unani system of medicine, Viola odorata Linn
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