Dog Violet
Viola canina
Viola canina, commonly known as dog violet, is a traditional medicinal plant found in various European and Asian regions. Its use in traditional medicine has not been extensively documented; however, it has historical significance in some folk remedies. Scientifically, V. canina has shown increased growth under ammonia exposure, irrespective of mycorrhizal infection, indicating potential adaptability to certain environmental conditions. A comprehensive study involving 128,036 morphological leaf trait measurements from digitised herbarium specimens provided valuable insights into the plant's morphology. Seedling emergence in sub-alpine species at alpine locations was found to be limited by competition with neighboring vegetation. The essential oil extracted from V. canina's aerial parts, grown in Northern Kazakhstan, primarily contains phytol (55.2%), which differs compositionally from other Viola species. No major safety concerns or recorded drug interactions have been identified for this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- V. canina showed increased growth under ammonia exposure, regardless of mycorrhizal infection.
- The study developed a dataset containing 128,036 morphological leaf trait measurements for Viola canina from digitised herbarium specimens.
- The essential oil from Viola canina's aerial parts, grown in Northern Kazakhstan, primarily contains phytol (55.2%), showing compositional differences compared to other Viola species.
- Seedling emergence was limited by competition from neighboring vegetation in sub-alpine species at alpine locations.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dog Violet?
Dog Violet (Viola canina) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Dog Violet?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Dog Violet; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: V. canina showed increased growth under ammonia exposure, regardless of mycorrhizal infection.
How strong is the evidence for Dog Violet?
The strongest finding for Dog Violet carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Dog Violet safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Dog Violet in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Dog Violet interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Dog Violet in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Dog Violet?
Dog Violet is also known as: Фиалка собачья, Violette des chiens.
Is Dog Violet a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Composition of essential oil of the aerial parts of Viola canina L. growing wild in Northern Kazakhstan. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Effects of atmospheric ammonia and ammonium sulphate on vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization in three heathland species. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Comprehensive leaf size traits dataset for seven plant species from digitised herbarium specimen images covering more than two centuries. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Are sub-alpine species' seedling emergence and establishment in the alpine limited by climate or biotic interactions? literature abstract metadata