Evidence supporting the use of: Viola
For the health condition: Acne
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
The use of Viola species (such as Viola tricolor, commonly known as wild pansy or heartsease) to support or treat acne is rooted primarily in traditional herbal medicine rather than robust scientific validation. Historically, Viola has been employed in European and Asian folk medicine for a variety of skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and other inflammatory dermatoses. The traditional rationale centers around its purported anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and blood-purifying properties, with decoctions or infusions made from the aerial parts of the plant being consumed or applied topically.
Scientific exploration of Viola’s efficacy in treating acne is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that extracts from Viola tricolor possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which could, in theory, be beneficial for inflammatory skin conditions like acne. However, there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials in humans to confirm these effects specifically for acne treatment. Existing evidence is therefore considered weak and largely anecdotal, with most contemporary use based on historical practice rather than modern clinical validation. Consequently, while Viola continues to be included in some herbal acne remedies and traditional medicines, its use for this condition is primarily justified by tradition, and its effectiveness remains unproven by rigorous scientific standards.
Other ingredients used for Acne
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone IAbrus
Ajoene
Allantoin
Allicin
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
andrographolide
Anemarrhena
anemarrhena asphodeloides
apple cider vinegar
argan nut oil
ash
Asteraceae
azelaic acid
babchi
banyan
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bassia scoparia
bee products
bee propolis
berberine
Bidens pilosa
black cumin
black seed
blackboard tree
burdock
bасора
Calendula
cannabichromene
cannabigerol
Cannabis sativa oil
carvacrol
caryophyllene
castile soap
Centipeda
chamomile
chinatree
Chinese raisintree
chlorophyllin
chrysanthemum
Clerodendrum indicum
coconut
copaiba oil
cucumber
Curcuma
curcumen
curcumin
Curcuminoid
Dianthus
DIM (diindolylmethane)
Eclipta
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
essential oil blend
estrogen
ethyl linoleate
eugenol
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fatty acids
fulvic acid
gallic acid
garlic bulb
Glabridin
glyceryl monolaurate
Glycolic acid
green tea
heal-all
hemp
hemp oil
henna
herbal blend (proprietary)
Himalaya berry
honey
honeysuckle
Hydrocolloid
Immortelle
Indian fagonia
indigo leaves
Isatis
jojoba oil
Kigelia africana
Kokilaksha
L-cystine
Labdanum
lactic acid
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lavender
licorice root
Litsea
Mahonia
mangostin
Marking Nut Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
Melia
Momordica
Monolaurin
Monoterpenes
Morinda
Neem tree
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Nigella seed
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
oregon grape
oriental arborvitae
paederia foetida
Pansit-pansitan
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Peptides
phenolic compounds
phlorotannins
probiotics
Propolis
scrophularia root
seaweed
Self-Heal
Sesquiterpenes
shen-chu
Shikonin
Smoketree
Soapberry
Sophora
Sphaeranthus indicus
Stellaria dichotoma
Tagetes
Tea Tree Oil
Terpenoids
Terpinen-4-ol
thyme
Thymol
Thymoquinone
Tinospora cordifolia
trace minerals
Triterpenes
turmeric
Viola
Violet
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
White Tea
Witch Hazel
Wrightia tinctoria
Xanthorrhizol
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by Viola
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acne
Arthritis
Asthma
Bedwetting
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Chicken Pox
Chills
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Edema
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
