The Extract of Viola odorata Flowers Improves the Biochemical, Pancreas Histological, and Insulin Resistance Parameters in an Animal Model of Diabetes

Background: The antioxidant defense in the pancreas is low because they are exposed to toxic substances daily. This study aimed to evaluate the ameliorating effect of Viola odorata flowers Extract (VOE) on the pancreas histology and function in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Forty male rats were divided into five groups, consisting of controls; STZ; and STZ plus various doses of VOE (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg). The amylase, lipase, insulin and total antioxidant capacity levels were measured in the sera. The homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance was also measured. The histopathological alterations of the rats’ pancreases were examined microscopically. Results: The serum amylase and total antioxidant activities were reduced in diabetic rats (P=0.001). Varying doses of VOE reduced the serum amylase and glucose levels, and increased the total antioxidant activities compared to that of the diabetic rats (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the serum lipase and insulin levels among the groups. Treatment with VOE at all doses significantly lowered the insulin resistance compared to that of the diabetic group (P=0.001). Significant reductions were observed in the areas of the pancreatic Langerhans islets and the number of beta cells in the STZ group (P=0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that VOE ameliorated the adverse effects induced by STZ in the rat’s pancreas in the short-term. These effects are likely to be due to the reduced insulin resistance and amylase activity, and increased total antioxidant activity along with the histopathological alterations in the pancreas.

Evaluation of the antibiofilm and antimicrobial activities of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Viola odorata in poly herbal formulations

Traditional polyherbal formulations are essential part of health system in various populations in the subcontinent region including Pakistan, however scientific evaluation of such claims are not significant. In this investigation, the antibiofilm and antimicrobial activities of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Viola odorata, two important ingredients of a traditional herbal formulation were determined in synergism. Various fractions of plants extract were prepared in the order of polarity. All fractions were tested against Gram negative (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi) bacteria and antimicrobial activity was assessed using agar diffusion method. The MIC (Minimum Inhibitory concentration), was assessed. Finally antibiofilm activities were determined using 96 micro wells plate by calculating percent inhibition. In case of Viola oldorata, the inhibition zone ranged between (6 mm to 18 mm±1.24) against the test strains. The highest inhibition was recorded against gram positive bacteria Strep: Pneumoniae (20 mm±0.99) followed by S. aureus (18 mm±1.02) using methanolic extract. A moderate level of inhibition was seen in case of Glycyrrhiza glabra against the microbial strains. It was noticed that Glycyrrhiza Glabra was more active against gram negative bacteria. The methanolic fraction presented highest activity against e coli (18 mm±0.96) followed by K. pneumoniae and P. aureginosa (12 mm±1.22).The MIC ranged between 4–8 mg/mL. During antibiofilm assay, a moderate level of inhibition occurs using the Viola odorata (40%inhibition) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (45%inhibition), that increased by using combination of both plants in 50:50 ratio. It was concluded that the effective properties of indigenous poly herbal formulation are due to synergism causing greater antibiofilm characteristics against the biofilm producer strains as well as other pathogenic microorganisms.

Pharmacological Screening of Viola odorata L. for Memory-Enhancing Effect via Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Biomarkers

Purpose: Alzheimer disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. The present study aimed to characterize and then investigate the memory-enhancing potential of Viola odorata methanolic extract in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–treated mice.Methods:V. odorata characterization was done by using the GCMS technique. Neuroinflammation was induced by the intracerebroventricular administration of LPS at a dose of 12 µg. Animals were divided randomly into six groups (n = 10). Group I was normal control, which was given vehicle. Group II was disease control, which received LPS (12 µg) via the intracerebroventricular route. Group III was standard, which was administered with donepezil (3 µg) orally for 21 days. Groups IV–VI were the treatment groups, which were administered with the extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg dose levels orally respectively for 21 days. Groups III–VI received LPS (12 µg) on the first day along with their treatments. During the treatment, the animals were assessed for memory retention by employing different behavioral paradigms namely elevated plus maze, passive avoidance, foot shock and open field. Various mediators [endogenous antioxidants, neurotransmitters, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE)] involved in the pathogenesis of AD were quantified by using the UV spectrophotometric method.Results: Extract-treated groups showed a remarkable improvement in cognitive impairment in all behavioral paradigms. Oxidative stress biomarkers, that is, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione were raised dose-dependently in the treatment groups with a dose-dependent decrease in the malonaldehyde and AChE levels in the brains of the treated animals. The treatment groups showed decreased levels of inflammatory biomarkers, that is, tumor necrosis factor–alpha, nuclear factor kappa light-chain enhancer of activated β-cells, and cyclo-oxygenase, which supports the therapeutic effectiveness of the treatment.Conclusion: Based on behavioral, oxidative stress biomarker, and neuroinflammatory data, it is concluded that V. odorata possesses memory-enhancing activity and may prove a beneficial role in the management of AD.

Phyto-pharmacognostical evaluation and HPTLC finger printing profile of Gulbanafsha (Viola odorata L.) flower

Viola odorata Linn. (Family Violaceae) is popularly known as Sweet Violet or English Violet and Gulbanafsha in Hindi. V. odorata is used as remedy for coughs, sore throat, hoarseness and tonsillitis. It is valued as an expectorant, antioxidant, diaphoretic, antibacterial, antipyretic and diuretic. Pharmacological studies have revealed the role of V. odorata in Unani drugs for treatment of common cold, asthma and cough associated diseases. The present study focuses on the phyto-pharmacognostical evaluation and HPTLC finger printing profile of Gulbanafsha (Viola odorata L.) flower - white variety. Physicochemical parameters were determined and phytochemical screening done by standard procedures. HPTLC finger-printing profile of the methanolic extracts of dried flowers, were performed on precoated TLC silica gel 60F254 plateswith salicylic acid as marker. Phytochemical screening revealed presence of flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds/tannins.

The Effect of Viola Odorata L. Oil for Fever in Children: A Randomized Triple-blinded Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial

Introduction: Finding non-systemic antipyretic option in cancer patients who simultaneously receive several other drugs seems be logical. This study was designed to evaluate complementary therapy with Viola odorata L. oil for fever control in febrile neutropenic children. Methods and Materials: In a randomized placebo controlled clinical trial, 41 febrile children were divided into two groups. Children in the active drug group received viola oil (20 drops) to be rubbed on the peripheral margin of the patient umbilicus. Primary outcome measure of the study was the mean axillary temperature in the 30, 60, and 240 minutes after the intervention. Results: The mean temperature reduced significantly in the viola group after 30 minutes of administration (p =0.005), while there was no significant change in the placebo group (p =1.00). The number of patients who received paracetamol as the rescue treatment was significantly lower in the viola group than that in the placebo group (5 vs. 17, p =0.001). Conclusion: The results of our study showed the safety and efficacy of complementary therapy with Viola odorata L. oil for fever control in febrile neutropenic children during hospital course.