# Vanapsa

> Vanapsa (Viola odorata L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Violaceae family. Not in WHO monographs; recognized in Unani Pharmacopoeia (as Banafsha); listed in traditional Persian, European, and Indian medicine systems.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Viola odorata L.
- **Family:** Violaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not in WHO monographs; recognized in Unani Pharmacopoeia (as Banafsha); listed in traditional Persian, European, and Indian medicine systems

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Vanapsa |
| Latin/Botanical | *Viola odorata L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Cyclotides](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cyclotides) (cyclic [peptides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#peptides) - cycloviolacin O1, O2)
- [Procyanidins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#procyanidins) (procyanidin C1 - Na+/K+ ATPase inhibitor)
- Salicylic acid derivatives
- [Rutin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#rutin) and [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) ([flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/))
- Essential oils (methyl salicylate, nonadienal)
- [Saponins](/reference/saponins/), [tannins](/reference/tannins/), and [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids)

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory action via flavonoid-mediated inhibition of COX-2, LOX-5, and NF-kB inflammatory pathways
- [Anticancer](/reference/anticancer/) activity through cyclotide-mediated disruption of cancer cell membranes and induction of apoptosis
- [Diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) and cardiovascular effect via procyanidin C1-mediated inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPase
- [Expectorant](/reference/expectorant/) and mucolytic action through saponin-mediated stimulation of respiratory tract secretions

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Respiratory disorders and cough (Kasa-hara) - validated through confirmed expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) properties
- [Antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) (Jvarahara) - confirmed diaphoretic and antipyretic activities in pharmacological studies
- Skin health and complexion (Varnya) - traditional use in face preparations supported by anti-inflammatory and [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) data
- Sleep aid and [anxiolytic](/reference/anxiolytic/) (Nidrajanana) - traditional sedative use partially supported by flavonoid-mediated CNS-calming effects

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- El-Feky AM, El-Rashedy AA 2025. [Anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic assessment of flavonoids isolated from Viola odorata flowers with computer-guided docking study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40968164/). *Scientific reports*. PMID [40968164](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40968164/) · [doi:10.1038/s41598-025-19442-4](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-19442-4)  
  Isolated specific flavonoids from flowers and demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities; molecular docking confirmed strong binding to inflammatory and cancer-related protein targets.
- Batiha GE, Lukman HY, Shaheen HM and others 2023. [A Systematic Review of Phytochemistry, Nutritional Composition, and Pharmacologic Application of Species of the Genus Viola in Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941895/). *Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM*. PMID [37941895](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941895/) · [doi:10.1155/2023/5406039](https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/5406039)  
  Systematic review establishing Viola odorata as having the highest number of isolated bioactive compounds among Viola species with documented efficacy against noncommunicable diseases.
- Heger T, Zatloukal M, Kubala M and others 2022. [Procyanidin C1 from Viola odorata L. inhibits Na(+),K(+)-ATPase](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35487935/). *Scientific reports*. PMID [35487935](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35487935/) · [doi:10.1038/s41598-022-11086-y](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-11086-y)  
  Identified procyanidin C1 as a novel Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor, providing mechanistic basis for traditional use as diuretic and cardiovascular remedy.

## Recent safety updates

- Generally safe at traditional doses (flowers and leaves used in teas and syrups); cyclotides have cytotoxic potential at higher concentrations
- High-dose or prolonged use may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; not well-studied in pregnancy; potential interactions with cardiac [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) due to Na+/K+-ATPase inhibition

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Cyclotides
- Peptides
- Procyanidins
- Rutin
- Quercetin
- Flavonoids
- Saponins
- Tannins

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Syrup, Capsule, Gulkand-type preserve, Sherbet

**Standard Dosage:** 3-5 g powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; 15-30 mL syrup twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Violin (cyclotide) is a peptide with poor oral bioavailability due to enzymatic degradation in GI tract, though cyclotides have unusual protease resistance due to cyclic backbone. Rutin and other flavonoids have moderate bioavailability (15-25%) improved by gut microbiota deglycosylation. Salicylic acid derivatives (methyl salicylate from leaves) have high oral bioavailability (~70-80%). [Mucilage](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mucilage) provides local demulcent action without systemic absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning and evening for respiratory conditions; at bedtime with warm milk for mild sedative/calming effect

**Standardized Extract:** Hydroethanolic extract standardized to >1.5% rutin by HPLC; mucilage content >8% by gravimetric method; total flavonoids >3% (as rutin equivalent)

**Shelf Life:** Dried flowers: 6-12 months; Powder: 12 months; Syrup: 12-18 months; Capsules: 24 months; Flower preserve: 18 months

**Storage:** Dried flowers in airtight, light-resistant containers at 15-25 deg C. Syrup in amber glass bottles. Protect from heat and humidity. Flower color fades on exposure to light.

**Marker Compounds:** Rutin, [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/), Violin (cyclotide), Methyl salicylate, Violine, Odoratine, Mucilage [polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroethanolic extraction (40-60% ethanol)
- Cold maceration for mucilage-rich preparations
- Steam distillation for essential oil (low yield)
- Sugar-preservation for Gulkand-type preparations

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) (licorice) - respiratory demulcent synergy
- Unnab (Ziziphus jujuba) - classical Unani-Ayurvedic cough formula
- Gaozaban (Borago officinalis) - cooling and respiratory combination
- Khatmi (Althaea officinalis) - mucilaginous respiratory synergy

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/vanapsa/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.