The flowers (var. maxima) are a source of rutoside. The flowers also contain anthocyanin, violanin chloride, which on hydrolysis yields glucose, delphinidin, rhamnose and pcoumaric acid. High content of tocopherol is also reported from flowers.
Dried flowers contain anthocyanin 4.0, total flavonoids 1.1, rutoside 0.4, mucilage 18, and ash 8.5%.
The leaves contain friedelin and beta-sitosterol.
The essential oil from the entire plant consists of methyl salicylate. A diC-glycoside, violanthin, has been reported from the plant.
Viola patrinii Ging.
Family Violaceae.
Habitat The Himalayas, Eastern and Western Ghats.
Unani Banafashaa (related species). Action Dried flowers—used
for coughs and colds. Herb—
Viscum album Linn. 707
bruised and applied to ulcers; also prescribed in syphilis and scrofula. (In Chinese medicine, recommended against cancerous growths.)
Viola pilosa Blume.
Family Violaceae.
Habitat Kashmir to Sikkim and Nilgiri hills at 1,500—2,100 m.
Unani Banafashaa (related species) Folk Thungtu (Kumaon).
Action Uses same as those of V odorata. A medicinal oil of Unani medicine, Roghan-e-Banafashaa, is prepared from the plant. Flowers, as tea, are used for treating headache.
Active principle of the herb is an alkaloid, violine.
Viola sylvestris Lam. (in part)
Family Violaceae.
Habitat Kashmir at 1,200—2,400 m.
English Pale Wood Violet, Wood Violet.
Unani Banafashaa (related species).
Action Plant—pectoral, bechic; used in chest troubles. Stem, leaf and flower—applied to foul sores and wounds.
Habitat Native to Europe; grown as an ornamental.
English Heartsease, Wild Pansy.
