Pharmacognostic research on Viola tricolor L. (Violaceae).

UNLABELLED

In this study we analyzed the chemical composition and we evaluated the diuretic activity of aerial parts of V. tricolor L.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

For saponins and mucilages we have performed gravimetric methods, whereas for carotenoids, spectrophotometric determinations and HPLC analysis were performed. We studied the diuretic activity of tincture, using furosemide as the reference drug in male Wistar-Bratislava rats.

RESULTS

We established the content in saponins (5.98%), mucilages (14.20%) and total carotenoids (18.46 mg/100 g). In fresh vegetal drug we have determined by HPLC 8 carotenoids: violaxanthin (352 microg/100 g), antheraxanthin (711 microg/100 g), lutein (1575 microg/100 g), zeaxanthin (1488 microg/100 g), alpha-cryptoxanthin (66 microg/100 g), beta-carotene 5,6-epoxide (133 microg/100 g), beta-carotene (1678 microg/100 g) and 9Z-beta-carotene (312 microg/100 g). We observed a moderate diuretic effect of tincture (diuretic index 1.103, saluretic index of Na+ 1.181, and saluretic index of K+ 1.365).

CONCLUSIONS

Violae tricoloris herba contains a high amount of saponins and mucilages and it can be recommended to complete the diuretic treatment.