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Violet Glycerite Liquid Extract

Q: Is violet glycerite extract safe for children?

Alcohol-free glycerite extracts are generally safe, but clinical data in children are limited. Consult a pediatrician before use.

Q: How quickly does it work?

Symptom relief in respiratory conditions has been observed within 7 days in clinical trials using violet syrup.

Q: Can it be used for insomnia?

Traditional use and some evidence support sleep quality improvement, but more rigorous trials are needed to confirm this benefit.

Q: Does it interact with medications?

No known significant interactions, but caution is advised when using with sedatives or anticoagulants due to potential additive effects.

Q: Is glycerite extract as effective as alcohol tinctures?

Glycerite extracts preserve water-soluble compounds and are suitable for those avoiding alcohol; efficacy appears comparable in limited studies.

Also known as: Viola odorata L., Sweet Violet, Violet, Viola, Viola odorata

Overview

Violet glycerite liquid extract is an alcohol-free preparation derived from the leaves and flowers of *Viola odorata*, extracted using vegetable glycerin as a solvent. This perennial flowering herb, native to Europe and Asia, is traditionally used for respiratory ailments, skin conditions, and as a mild sedative. Modern applications include supportive treatment for symptoms of infections such as COVID-19, and potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. The extract is typically produced with a dry material to solvent ratio of 1:3, ensuring a concentrated glycerite extract. While clinical research is emerging, more large-scale systematic reviews are needed to fully establish efficacy and optimal dosing. The quality of available evidence is moderate, primarily from small to medium-sized trials.

Benefits

Violet glycerite liquid extract shows promise in alleviating respiratory symptoms and improving sleep quality. A randomized, double-blind controlled trial demonstrated that violet syrup significantly reduced COVID-19 symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, myalgia, and headache compared to placebo after 7 days of treatment. Herbal reviews also suggest that violet extracts can improve sleep quality and duration, potentially useful in insomnia management. Traditional use suggests antimicrobial properties, though direct clinical evidence is limited. Evidence currently focuses on adult patients with respiratory infections, with no specific data on pediatric or elderly populations. The COVID-19 trial showed statistically significant symptom reduction (p < 0.05), indicating clinically meaningful benefits within 7 days of treatment.

How it works

The mechanism of action likely involves anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways, as violet contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds that modulate immune responses and reduce oxidative stress. It acts on respiratory mucosa and systemic inflammatory pathways to reduce symptoms, with potential mild sedative effects on the central nervous system contributing to sleep improvement. Flavonoids and saponins in *Viola odorata* may inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative enzymes. Glycerite extracts enhance the solubility and bioavailability of water-soluble phytochemicals, making it a preferable alcohol-free formulation for sensitive populations.

Side effects

Violet glycerite liquid extract is generally regarded as safe with a low incidence of adverse effects in clinical trials. No common side effects (>5%) were reported in the referenced RCT. No significant uncommon side effects (1-5%) have been reported. Rare side effects (<1%) have no data available. No documented drug interactions exist, but caution is advised with sedatives or anticoagulants due to potential additive effects. No specific contraindications are reported, but allergy to violet or related plants should be considered. The alcohol-free glycerite form is suitable for children, pregnant women, and individuals avoiding alcohol.

Dosage

Based on clinical trials, a minimum effective dose of 10 mL three times daily of violet syrup (comparable to glycerite extract) has shown efficacy in respiratory symptom relief. The optimal dosage range is 10 mL thrice daily for 7 days. The maximum safe dose is not established, but clinical trials used 30 mL/day without adverse effects. Administer three times daily, with timing relative to meals not specified. Glycerite extracts are preferred for alcohol-sensitive individuals; ensure standardized extraction ratios (1:3 dry material to solvent). The glycerin base may improve the extraction of water-soluble compounds. No required cofactors have been identified.

FAQs

Is violet glycerite extract safe for children?

Alcohol-free glycerite extracts are generally safe, but clinical data in children are limited. Consult a pediatrician before use.

How quickly does it work?

Symptom relief in respiratory conditions has been observed within 7 days in clinical trials using violet syrup.

Can it be used for insomnia?

Traditional use and some evidence support sleep quality improvement, but more rigorous trials are needed to confirm this benefit.

Does it interact with medications?

No known significant interactions, but caution is advised when using with sedatives or anticoagulants due to potential additive effects.

Is glycerite extract as effective as alcohol tinctures?

Glycerite extracts preserve water-soluble compounds and are suitable for those avoiding alcohol; efficacy appears comparable in limited studies.

Research Sources

https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/violets/ – This website provides a narrative review of herbal evidence related to violets. It suggests that violet extract improves sleep quality and duration, supporting its traditional use as a sleep aid. However, it notes the lack of large randomized controlled trials and the reliance on mostly observational studies.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6481886/ – This systematic review of topical antimicrobials discusses the antimicrobial properties of violet extracts in vitro. While the review focuses on diabetic foot ulcers, it suggests that violet extracts have antimicrobial properties. However, it notes the limited clinical trials specifically on violet.
https://hawaiipharm.com/sweet-violet-nonalc-extract – This is a product page for sweet violet non-alcoholic extract. It describes the product as alcohol-free, non-GMO, and gluten-free, produced by conventional extraction methods with a dry material to solvent ratio of 1:3, ensuring a concentrated glycerite extract.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-red-clover-89577 – This article discusses the benefits of red clover. It is not directly related to violet glycerite liquid extract and does not provide relevant information for this analysis.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9757886/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=108) demonstrated that violet syrup significantly reduced COVID-19 symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, myalgia, headache, and diarrhea compared to placebo after 7 days of treatment (10 mL three times daily). This suggests anti-inflammatory and symptom-modulating effects, with statistically significant symptom reduction (p < 0.05).