Ferula asafoetida (Devil,s dung)

Ferula asafoetida
Pharmacology
Pharmacognosy

1. Ferula Asafoetida

2. Botanical Origin Ferula Asafoetida Faimly Umbelliferae Urdu Name Hing English Name Asafoetida , Devil’s dung Part Used Resins from roots Chemical Class Resins Chemical Constituents Resins Gums Ferulic acid Umbelliferone

3. Asaresinotannols Asaresinol Asaresinolferulate Volatile oils Pinene Coumarin Uses Carminative Antispasmodic Expectorant Sedative Diuretics Antiviral

4. Used for stomach disorder Used for the treatment of pimples Pinene is used as flavouring agent Used for the treatment of skin blemishes Volatile oils is used in the treatment of asthma,whooping cough Mechanism of Action The main constituent of ferula asafoetida is resin. It is used in the treatment of Hyperlipidemia.It reduce the cholesterol level in the blood.It can decrease the cholesterol absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce cholesterol metabolism in the body.Hot potency is also required to reduce the cholesterol level because hot potency of hing also improves metabolism of cholesterol in the body.

5. Drug Interactions Medications for higher blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with asafoetida.Asafoetida seems to decrease the blood pressure taking asafoetida along with medication for higher blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go to low.Some medications for higher blood pressure include Enalapril,Hydrochlorothiazide and F lurosemide . Medications that slow blood clotting(Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet drugs)Interact with asafoetida.Asafoetida might slow blood clotting take asafoetida along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bleeding.Some medication which slow blood clotting are Aspirin,Warfarin,Ibuprofen . Side Effects Asafoetida is unsafe for infants when taken by mouth because it might cause certain blood disorders.

6. Heart burn Headache Diarrhea Nausea Vomiting It is unsafe to take asfoetida by mouth if you are pregnant.It might cause miscarriage. Contraindications Asafoetida increase the chances of bleeding due to it hot potency. Asafoetida can irritate the GIT do not use if you have a gastrointestinal infection Asafoetida might interfere with blood pressure control.Avoid use if you have a blood pressure problem.

7. Asafoetida might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking asafoetida at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. Dosage A daily dose of asafoetida resin is 200 to 500 mg. A tincture of 2-4ml or 20 drops as a single dose. Toxicity In vitro testing fonud that asafoetida gum exerts a strong oxidative effect leading to potentially life threatening to infants.Asafoetida dosage higher from 500 to 750mg is harmful to GIT or cause headache.

8. References Asafoetida , a grounding herb American botanical council. Ferula asafetida (USDA. NRCS 2007. The plants database ( hccp . Plant). Duke JA handbook of medicinal herbs.