Viola odorata (Sweet Violet)

Question 1

How do you recognise Sweet violet?

Answer 1

A low growing perennial herb. Violet or white sweetly scented flowers above heart shaped leaves.
Has creeping stolons which root and
form new plants. Blunt shaped sepals.
Native to Europe, occurring in hedgerows and woodlands.
Easily confused with other wild violets.

Question 2

What are Sweet violet ‘s main constituents?

Answer 2

Constituents:
* Flavonoids – rutin, quercetin, luteolin.
* Polysaccharides & mucilage.
* Saponins
* Alkaloids – violine, odoratine.
* Triterpenes.
* Essential oil – includes methyl salicylate & ionones.
* Cyclotides (peptides) – are the focus of research relating to use in cancer.

Question 3

What family is Sweet violet?

Answer 3

A member of the Violaceae

Question 4

What is Sweet violet good for?

Answer 4

Summary: **Bendle has mainly used this for cancer. **Both odorata and tricolor violets are cooling and calming, however, to the body (anti-inflammatory, from rutin and quercitin) and the mind.

Actions:
* Anti-inflammatory
* Expectorant.
* Demulcent & emollient.
* Diaphoretic
* Diuretic.
* Anti-neoplastic.

Applications:
* Cancers – especially of breast and of GIT.
* Bronchitis.
* Dry coughs.
* Cystitis.
* Capillary fragility, varicose ulcers, bruising.
* Old herbals say good for “Rheumatic complaints” including gout – it may be that it helps tackle autoimmune conditions
* Historically also used for insomnia, to soothe anger and to strengthen the heart.

Question 5

What is Sweet violet ‘s Latin name?

Answer 5

Viola odorata

Question 6

What parts of Sweet violet do you use?

Answer 6

Parts used: aerial parts.

Question 7

What safety issues might Sweet violet have?

Answer 7

Mostly seen as a safe herb but the saponins can upset digestion and can be purgative or laxative in high doses. May be adulterated with other Viola species

Question 8

What useful research does Sweet violet have?

Answer 8

External links:
* Traditional uses, Antimicrobial potential, Pharmacological properties and Phytochemistry of Viola odorata: A Mini
Review - mainly examines older material

• The synergistic cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin and Viola
  odorata extract on human breast cancer cell line T47-D – not so easy to read – so here is the synopsis of the conclusion:
  “Our findings suggest that components of V. odorata exert antitumor effects on human breast cancer and could be administered with lower doses of antitumor agent Dox, in combination therapy, to decrease its side effects.”
• Ionone Is More than a Violet’s Fragrance: A Review – very technical biochemistry – an extra for those interested!”

Question 9

What remedies might you use Sweet violet in?

Answer 9

Dosage: 20 - 30 ml/week 1:3 tincture.