Banafsha (Viola odorata L.), an important drug of Unani System of Medicine with recent advances

Abstract

The various traditional systems such as Unani, Ayurveda and Siddha use several plant species to treat different ailments. Banafsha (Viola odorata L.) is an important medicinal plant used in the Unani system of medicine due to its multiple therapeutic properties. Vast description of this herb is present in Unani classical literature regarding its therapeutic actions such as Munafith-i-Balgham (expectorant), Munawwim (hypnotic), Daf'-i- Hummā (antipyretic), Musakkin-i-Atash (Thirst Quenching), Mulayyin (Laxative) etc. Various phytochemical analyses have also shown presence of different alkaloids and chemicals in this herb proving its medicinal importance. Also parts of this herb have been studied in animals for its pharmacological properties and few pharmacological properties have been also studied in clinical trials confirming the description present in Unani literature. Based on the knowledge present in Unani literature, research should be conducted on untouched medicinal aspect of this herb.