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.