• Mohd Yasir
• Tarannum Khanam
• M.H.M.Hafeel
• Mohd.Shadab

Natural products with medicinal value are gradually gaining importance in clinical research due to their well known property of no side effects as compared to drugs. Banafsha (Viola Odorata Linn.) is a popular drug and is known for its immense application in the treatment of various diseases and is being used in different system of medicines since very old time. It is species of genus viola of family Violaceae native to Europe and Asia but also has been introduced to North America and Australia. It is planted in many hill stations. It is commonly known as sweet violet, wood violet, English violet, common violet, florist’s violet, garden violet. Vast description of this herb is present in Unani literature regarding its therapeutic uses in various ailments. In Unani system of medicine it is used in Suda-e-har (Headache), Nazla wa zukam (Coryza), Sual (Cough), Kharashe halq (Sore throat) etc. A Unani medicine named as Roghan-e-Banafsha used in Sahr, Tarteeb-e-Dimag, Yaboosate Dimag etc contain this valuable herb. Phytochemical analyses have also shown presence of different alkaloids and chemicals in this herb proving its medicinal importance. Viola odorata has been reported to have various pharmacological activities. Present review is aimed at summarizing the traditional uses, pharmcognosy, phytochemistry, biological activities etc of Viola odorata to reveal its therapeutic potentials and offer scope for future researches.

Banafsha, Unani medicine, Literature, Phytochemistry

"BANAFSHA (AN IMPORTANT UNANI DRUG): A REVIEW", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 5, page no.101-105, May-2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1905920.pdf

"BANAFSHA (AN IMPORTANT UNANI DRUG): A REVIEW", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 5, page no. pp101-105, May-2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1905920.pdf