Heartsease Dried Leaf And Flower Liquid Extract
Also known as: Heartsease, wild pansy, tricolor violet, Viola tricolor
Overview
Viola tricolor, commonly known as Heartsease, is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant whose dried leaves and flowers are traditionally used to produce liquid extracts. These extracts are typically prepared using alcohol and glycerin solvents, capturing a broad spectrum of phytochemicals including flavonoids and saponins. Historically, Heartsease has been employed for a variety of conditions, including skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis, respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis, and even cardiovascular concerns. While traditional use is extensive, the scientific research supporting these applications is primarily preclinical or based on in vitro studies, with a notable lack of rigorous human clinical trials. Systematic reviews highlight promising pharmacological activities in animal models and laboratory settings, but direct clinical evidence in humans remains limited, indicating that most current applications are based on historical practice rather than robust scientific validation.
Benefits
Research on Heartsease's benefits is largely based on traditional use, preclinical studies, or studies on related species, with a significant lack of human clinical trials. Animal studies, particularly with *Viola odorata* (a related species), suggest potential cardiovascular benefits, showing dose-dependent reductions in blood pressure and improved lipid profiles (lowering total cholesterol, LDL, and atherogenic index while increasing HDL). These effects are thought to be mediated by vasorelaxation and inhibition of lipid absorption. However, direct clinical evidence for *Viola tricolor* in humans is absent. Traditionally, Heartsease is used for anti-inflammatory and skin health purposes, including eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions. Some in vitro studies support anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but clinical validation is missing. It has also been historically used for respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis, with anecdotal reports of relieving dry cough and irritation, though these claims lack rigorous scientific backing. Traditional herbalists also suggest calming effects and improved sleep, but these neurological/emotional benefits are not clinically validated.
How it works
The proposed mechanisms of action for Heartsease are primarily derived from preclinical studies and the known properties of its active compounds. The observed vasodilatory effects, which contribute to potential antihypertensive activity, are believed to involve modulation of calcium channels and activation of nitric oxide pathways. Saponins present in the extract may inhibit pancreatic lipase, thereby reducing dietary fat absorption and contributing to improved lipid metabolism. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, are thought to modulate immune responses and reduce oxidative stress, which could be relevant for skin and respiratory conditions. However, the specific bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profiles of these compounds from Heartsease liquid extract in humans are not well-characterized, and further research is needed to fully elucidate its precise mechanisms of action within the human body.
Side effects
Heartsease is generally considered possibly safe for adults when consumed at traditionally recommended doses. However, a significant limitation is the absence of formal safety studies and rigorous clinical trials, meaning that the full spectrum of potential side effects, their frequency, and severity are not well-documented. There are no significant side effects consistently reported in clinical contexts. Due to insufficient safety data, Heartsease should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and its use in children is not recommended. While no specific drug interactions or contraindications have been formally established, caution is advised given the limited clinical evidence. Anecdotal reports of serious adverse effects, such as cardiac or neurological symptoms, exist but are not confirmed in controlled studies and are considered rare. Users should exercise prudence and consult a healthcare professional, especially if they have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications, as the comprehensive safety profile remains largely uncharacterized.
Dosage
There are no standardized dosing guidelines for Heartsease liquid extract established through rigorous clinical trials. Traditional use involves variable concentrations in teas or tinctures, making it difficult to define an evidence-based dosage. The liquid extract is typically prepared with a 1:3 dried plant to solvent ratio, but the effective human dose for any specific condition remains unquantified. Consequently, recommendations for timing and duration of use are primarily based on historical practices rather than scientifically validated protocols. Without clinical data, it is not possible to specify different dosages for various purposes, nor are there established upper limits or safety thresholds. Individuals considering using Heartsease should be aware of this lack of scientific dosing guidance and proceed with caution, ideally under the supervision of a healthcare professional experienced in herbal medicine.
FAQs
Is Heartsease safe to use?
Heartsease is considered possibly safe for adults at traditional doses, but formal safety studies are lacking. It should be avoided during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in children due to insufficient data.
Can Heartsease help with heart conditions?
Animal studies suggest potential benefits like reduced blood pressure and improved lipid profiles, but these findings are from related species, and human clinical trials are currently lacking.
Is Heartsease effective for skin conditions?
It is traditionally used for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and in vitro studies show anti-inflammatory effects. However, there is insufficient clinical evidence to confirm its efficacy in humans.
How quickly can I expect to see effects from Heartsease?
The onset of effects is unknown due to the absence of clinical trials. Most current usage is based on traditional practices rather than evidence-based timelines.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10630019/ – This systematic review, published in Evid Based Complement Alternat Med (2023), analyzed preclinical and limited clinical data on Viola species. It found that extracts of *Viola odorata* (a related species) reduced blood pressure, improved lipid profiles, and exerted vasorelaxant effects in rats, with mechanisms involving Ca2+ and NO pathways and saponins inhibiting fat absorption. The review highlighted the lack of human randomized controlled trials and the need for further research, particularly for *Viola tricolor*.
- https://www.medicinenet.com/heartsease/article.htm – This MedicineNet summary reviews the traditional uses and safety profile of Heartsease. It notes its historical application for eczema, psoriasis, and asthma. The article states that Heartsease is possibly safe in adults, with no reported significant side effects, but emphasizes the absence of formal safety studies or controlled clinical data, making it a low-quality source for clinical efficacy.
- https://caringsunshine.com/ingredients/ingredient-hearts-ease/ – This narrative review from Caring Sunshine discusses in vitro and traditional data related to Heartsease. It highlights demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in laboratory settings. However, it also points out the lack of rigorous clinical trials and the reliance on preclinical data, classifying it as a low-quality source for clinical efficacy due to the absence of human clinical evidence.