Background
- Heartsease, also referred to as wild pansy, is the forerunner of cultivated pansies. The flowers and leaves are edible.
- Heartsease has been used by herbalists for centuries in the treatment of respiratory complaints (such as asthma, bronchitis, and whooping cough) and skin diseases (such as eczema and seborrhea). It has also been used for arthritis, rheumatism, and epilepsy, and for its purported anti-inflammatory, diuretic, mucus-thinning, laxative, soothing, and wound healing properties.
- There is limited scientific evidence to confirm the many traditional uses of heartsease. Early research suggests that heartsease may have anticancer and antimicrobial properties.
References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.
- Franz, G. [Studies on the mucopolysaccharides of Tussilago farfara L., Symphytum officinalis L., Borago officinalis L. and Viola tricolor L]. Planta Med. 1969;17(3):217-220.
View Abstract - Gran L, Sandberg F, Sletten K. Oldenlandia affinis (R&S) DC. A plant containing uteroactive peptides used in African traditional medicine. J Ethnopharmacol. 2000;70(3):197-203.
View Abstract - Gurman EG, Bagirova EA, Storchilo OV. [The effect of food and drug herbal extracts on the hydrolysis and transport of sugars in the rat small intestine under different experimental conditions]. Fiziol Zh SSSR Im I M Sechenova 1992;78(8):109-116.
View Abstract - Rimkiene S, Ragazinskiene O, Savickiene N. The cumulation of Wild pansy (Viola tricolor L.) accessions: the possibility of species preservation and usage in medicine. Medicina (Kaunas.) 2003;39(4):411-416.
View Abstract - Svangard E, Goransson U, Hocaoglu Z, et al. Cytotoxic cyclotides from Viola tricolor. J Nat Prod. 2004;67(2):144-147.
View Abstract - Witkowska-Banaszczak E, Bylka W, Matlawska I, et al. Antimicrobial activity of Viola tricolor herb. Fitoterapia 2005;76(5):458-461.
View Abstract