Asafoetida

Synonym                                              :  Devils-Drug, Hing , Food of Gods , Asant .

Biological source                                  :  Asafoetida is the Oleogumresin obtained by  incision from the                                                                         Rizomes and root of  Ferrula-foetida .

                                                              

Scientific name                                     :  Ferrula-foetida  .

Family                                                  :  Umbilliferae .

Geographical distribution                       :  The plant is a Peremial which is about 3mitre height and is indigenous                                                                   to Iran and Afganistan . The Asafoetida is derived from the Latin-                                                                       word “ ASA “ and “ Foetida “ 

Organoleptic / Morphological Evaluation :

i)  Colour                                  -      Yellowish-white , changing to reddish-brown colour.

ii) Odour                                   -       Persistent , Intense and Penetrating .

iii) Taste                                    -      Bitter . .

iv) Size                                      -      The tears are 0.5 – 3 cm in diameter .

v)  Shape                                  -      It occurs in two different forms that is Tears and Masses ,

                                                        Tears are rounded or flattened .

Therapeutic Uses :

i)                    It is used as Carminative , Expectorant , Antiseptic and Laxative .

ii)                   It is also used as flavoring-agent .