Asafoetida

Synonym: Devils dung
Botanical source: asafoetida is the oleo-gum-resin obtained by incising the rhizomes and roots of ferula asafoetida
Family: Umbelliferae

Morphology

Comersial asafoetida occures in two form
1.Tears either in round or flattened forms.
Size: 1-3cm
Colour: Dull Yellow,Greyish White
2.Masses-Most-Common form
Tears agglutinate to form masses and also contain imparites like piece of fruit,root etc.
Surface: Rough
Fracture: Brittle
Odour: Storng

Active Constituents

Volatile oil(4-20%), isobatyl propanyl disulphide also responsible for bad smell.Resines(40-65%), free arasesinol tannol as well in combination with fermic acid.

Uses:


1.As a Carminative
2.As a Expentorant
3.As antipasmodic
4.As a laxative