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Sweet Violet Syrup Reduces Restlessness and Improves Appetite in Children With Fever: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial Publisher



Safari AA1 ; Shirzad M2 ; Adel Mehraban MS2, 3 ; Mohammad Taghizadeh Kashani L4 ; Shamsbaghbanan H1 ; Pourrostami K5 ; Ahmadianattari MM1, 6
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Evidence-based Phytotherapy and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
  2. 2. Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Traditional Persian Medicine and Complementary Medicine (PerCoMed) Student Association, Students’ Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Traditional Medicine, Medicinal Plants Research Center of Barij, Kashan, Iran
  5. 5. Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
  6. 6. Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran

Source: Advances in Integrative Medicine Published:2025


Abstract

Objectives: Viola odorata L. (sweet violet) has been mentioned in Iranian traditional medicine as an herb with antifebrile, antitussive, anti-headache, and sedative activities. In this study, we tried to evaluate the effect of this medicinal plant on fever, sleep, restlessness, and appetite of children with fever. Designs: This double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted on 100 febrile children (body core temperature <39°C) aged between 3 and 7 years with the clinical diagnosis of a viral common cold. These children visiting a university pediatric clinic in Karaj, Iran were divided into two equal groups (sweet violet syrup vs placebo). Interventions: One group received sweet violet syrup (2 ml for children<15 kg; 3 ml for children>15 kg TID) + acetaminophen syrup (15 mg/kg QID) and another group received placebo syrup + acetaminophen syrup with similar doses. Outcome measures: To evaluate the status of fever, sleep, restlessness, and appetite, a self-reported form was filled out by one of the parents and finally submitted to the clinic. Results: The results showed that sweet violet syrup can significantly reduce restlessness (P = 0.03) and improve appetite (P = 0.05). However, this syrup had no effect on sleep. Surprisingly, concomitant intake of the first dose of acetaminophen and sweet violet syrup weakened the antifebrile activity of acetaminophen (P = 0.04). Conclusion: Sweet violet syrup can reduce restlessness and improve the appetite of febrile children. Due to probable chemical or physical interactions between this syrup with acetaminophen, it is suggested that these syrups be taken separately. Trial Registration: This trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20190409043215N1). © 2025 Elsevier Ltd
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