refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpurea and haemolytic anaemia.
Vinblastine in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents (cisplatin and bleomycin) is used for the treatment of metastatic testicular cancer; also against bladder cancer, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and Hodgkin’s lymphoma in combination with other drugs.
Vincristine, in various combinations, is highly effective in acute leukemia in children and lymphocytic leukemia; and pediatric tumours. (The Treatise on Indian Medicinal Plants.)
706 Viola biflora Linn.
Viola biflora Linn.
Family Violaceae.
Habitat The temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim at altitudes of 1,800—3,000 m.
Unani Banafashaa (related species).
Action Leaves—laxative, emollient. Flowers—antiseptic, pectoral, diaphoretic. Root—emetic.
The herb is used as a substitute for Banafashaa obtained from V odorata.
The leaves are used for treating skin eruptions and the flowers for skin irritation.
Viola cinerea Boiss. var. stocksii (Boiss.) W. Beck.
Synonym V stocksii Boiss.
Family Violaceae.
Habitat Punjab, Western Rajasthan, Gujarat.
Unani Banafashaa (related species). Folk Jinkobanafashaa (Gujarat).
Action Root—emetic. Used as a substitute and adulterant of ipecac. The herb is sold in the market as Banafashaa.
Viola odorata Linn.
Family Violaceae.
Habitat Native to Europe; cultivated in Kashmir.
English Sweet Violet.
Unani Banafashaa, Banafsaj, Kakosh, Fareer.
Action Expectorant, antiinflammatory, diaphoretic, antipyretic, diuretic. Used for catarrhal and pulmonary affections, also for diseases of liver and intestines.
Included among unapproved herbs by German Commission E, but it has been mentioned that the traditional use of sweet violet root as an expectorant for the respiratory tract is well documented.
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia recognizes expectorant activity of the leaf.
