Title:The Effect of Viola Odorata L. Oil for Fever in Children: A Randomized Triple-blinded Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial
VOLUME: 17 ISSUE: 5
Author(s):Vahid Tafazoli, Mahdi Shahriari, Mojtaba Heydari, Hosein Ali Nikbakht, Mohammad M. Zarshenaas and Majid Nimrouzi*
Affiliation:Department of Persian Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Department of Pediatrics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Department of Phytopharmaceuticals (Traditional Pharmacy), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Medicinal Plants Processing Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Department of Persian Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz
Keywords:Viola odorata L., sweet violet, traditional medicine, skin absorption, antipyretic effect, fever.
Abstract:
Introduction: Finding non-systemic antipyretic option in cancer patients who simultaneously
receive several other drugs seems be logical. This study was designed to evaluate complementary therapy
with Viola odorata L. oil for fever control in febrile neutropenic children.
Methods and Materials: In a randomized placebo controlled clinical trial, 41 febrile children were divided
into two groups. Children in the active drug group received viola oil (20 drops) to be rubbed on the
peripheral margin of the patient umbilicus. Primary outcome measure of the study was the mean axillary
temperature in the 30, 60, and 240 minutes after the intervention.
Results: The mean temperature reduced significantly in the viola group after 30 minutes of administration
(p =0.005), while there was no significant change in the placebo group (p =1.00). The number of patients
who received paracetamol as the rescue treatment was significantly lower in the viola group than
that in the placebo group (5 vs. 17, p =0.001).
Conclusion: The results of our study showed the safety and efficacy of complementary therapy with Viola
odorata L. oil for fever control in febrile neutropenic children during hospital course.
