Asafoetida / Hing (Ferula asafoetida)

Asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida) is a gum-resin extracted from the taproot of Ferula species, particularly Ferula asafoetida, belonging to the Apiaceae family. Known for its pungent aroma and flavor, it is widely used in Indian cuisine and traditional medicine. Asafoetida holds a significant role in Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha systems for treating a variety of ailments, especially digestive disorders, respiratory issues, and nervous system conditions.

Hing Scientific Names

Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Ferula
Species: Ferula asafoetida

Hing Common Names

English: Asafoetida
Sanskrit: Hingu
Hindi: Hing
Tamil: Perungayam
Telugu: Inguva
Kannada: Ingu
Bengali: Hing
Marathi: Hing

Hing Uses

Digestive System - Used as a carminative and digestive stimulant to relieve flatulence, bloating, indigestion, and colic.

Respiratory Health - Acts as an expectorant in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, and whooping cough.

Nervine Tonic - Traditionally used for hysteria, anxiety, and nervous disorders due to its calming effect on the nervous system.

Anthelmintic and Antimicrobial - Exhibits potent activity against intestinal parasites and bacteria.

Reproductive Health - Traditionally utilized in Unani medicine for the treatment of menstrual discomfort, absence of menstruation (amenorrhea), and sexual dysfunction (impotency).

Phytochemical Constituents

The medicinal properties of Asafoetida arise from its diverse phytochemical profile:

Volatile Oils: Disulfides (e.g., sec-butyl propenyl disulfide), α-pinene
Resins: Ferulic acid, umbelliferone
Gums: Galactose, arabinose, rhamnose
Coumarins: Umbelliferone, Scopoletin
Sesquiterpenes: Farnesiferol A, B, and C
Sulfur Compounds: Responsible for its distinctive odor and antimicrobial activity

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Govt. of India, Vol. I, Part I, 1990.

Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.

European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition, Council of Europe.

Al-Snafi, A.E. (2014). "The pharmacological importance of Ferula asafoetida – A review." IOSR Journal of Pharmacy, 4(3), 38-48.

Singh, R. et al. (2013). "Asafoetida: Traditional uses and pharmacological activity." International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 5(4), 1-3.

Moghaddasi, M.S. & Kashani, H.H. (2012). "Asafoetida (Ferula assa-foetida): Traditional uses and pharmacological activities." Journal of Natural Pharmaceuticals, 3(2), 62–69.

Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Revised Edition, 2002. Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA), Mumbai and RRL, Jammu.