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The Pharma Innovation Journal 2023; 12(7): 149-153
ISSN (E): 2277-7695
ISSN (P): 2349-8242
NAAS Rating: 5.23
TPI 2023; 12(7): 149-153
© 2023 TPI
www.thepharmajournal.com
Received: 08-05-2023
Accepted: 10-06-2023
Aalia Abdullah
Assistant Professor, Department
of Radiology & Imaging
Technology, Mewar University,
Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India
Waseem Akram Khan
Ph.D. Scholar, Faculty of
Agriculture, Mewar University,
Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India
Corresponding Author:
Aalia Abdullah
Assistant Professor, Department
of Radiology & Imaging
Technology, Mewar University,
Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India
Sweet Violet (Viola odorata L.) Banafsha a medicinal
plant in Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir: A
review
Aalia Abdullah and Waseem Akram Khan
Abstract
Sweet Violet (Viola odorata) It is a perennial herb that has a place with the family Violaceae. The root
and parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. It is popularly known as English Violet
and locally known as “Banafsha” in Kashmir region. It is used for stress, fatigue, insomnia symptoms of
menopause, depression, common cold, influenza, and many other condition. This survey will gather the
definitive portrayal of compound constituent’s pharmacological employment of sweet Violet (Viola
odorata L. It is rich in many phytoconstituents such as, saponins, salicylates, alkaloids, flavonoids,
saponins, tannins, phenolics, coumarins, phenolic glycosides, gaultherin, violutoside, saponins,
flavonoids, and odoratine. The global demand for herbal medicinal products has increased significantly
in recent decades. It is estimated that, the world’s population will be expected to reach 8.5 billion in
2030. It is an ethnobotanical herb of India. It holds a special position as a potent adaptive and aphrodisiac
in Ayurvedic System of Medicine.
Keywords: Jammu & Kashmir, Viola odorata, multidisciplinary actions, medicinal plant, perfumed
flavour
Introduction
Sweet Violet, English Violet, Garden Violet, Sweet Blue, Wood Violet, Viola odorata, is a
charming perennial, bearing tiny, strongly scented flowers over semi-evergreen foliage. It's
perfect for growing in a sheltered spot in light shade and can make good, light ground cover in
a dappled woodland garden or under shrubs. A carpet of sweet violets makes fragrant ground
cover in a rose bed, giving it a spectacular early flowering display leading up to the start of the
rose season. Plants are easy to grow, and spread slowly.
Sweet Violet is native to Europe. It has edible flowers and also a sweet, perfumed flavour.
They hail from a time when fragrance was utmost when choosing plants for a garden. The
fragrance of Sweet Violet is regarded as one of the most beautiful aromas in the plant
kingdom. The scent has found its way into perfumes.
Having no stem, the flowers and leaves rise directly from long, horizontal, runners. These
runners or stolon’s have thin roots at the nodes. The leaves are all basal, heart shaped with
rounded lobes at the base. They have teeth around the edges. The tips of the lower leaves are
more rounded, while the upper leaves are more tapering to a blunt tip.
Flowering takes place in the spring, however, it develops unopened and self-pollinating closed
flowers later in the summer months. The pollinated flowers form capsule fruits that hang down
near the ground surface. The capsules open at ground level or just under the soil. Attracting
ants, the oily outer portion of the capsules are taken and devoured by the ants. What is left
behind are the seeds that had been in the capsule. Perhaps in a location where it can develop.
It is not typically found in contemporary gardens. However, it can still be found in old
forgotten or neglected gardens. It flourishes in shady, mossy lawns, so these old gardens that
are left unattended are the perfect location.
Both the leaves and flowers are edible. They can be candied or eaten fresh. Both leaves and
flowers can be added to salads, and used to embellish desserts and iced drinks. Leaves can be
cooked like spinach.
For a showy spring appearance, cut runners and prune spindly growth in the late fall.