Ferula Asafetida – A Gastro Prokinetic Agent

Ferula asafoetida is a plant native to Iran (Middle East) that has a strong sulfurous smell. The sap of the stem and roots is dried and crushed to form an onion tasting powder, which is frequently used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Found in Persia, Afghanistan and in Central Asia. The material has persistent characteristic alliaceous odour and an acrid alliaceous somewhat bitter taste. Used for liver, spleen, stomach ailments, also used in constipation. It is reported as antidote to many poisons. It is a good appetizer and useful in nervous complaints, as it is powerful nervine stimulant, carminative, aphrodisiac and anthelmintic.

Fig. 1: TLC fingerprint of Petroleum ether 60 – 80 ^oC (track 1) and Methanol extract (track 2) Mobile phase Fig. A: Toluene, ethyl acetate (93:7); B: Toluene, ethyl formate, formic acid (5:4:1) after derivatization with vanillin-H₂SO₄.

Fig. 2: Ferula asafetida

Fig. 3: Oleo gum resin

Fig. 4

The animals were administered with suspension of plant resins at the dose of 400 mg/kg., p.m. using metabolic cages to check the feces output in rats and was found to reduce the gastrointestinal motility and also reduced gastrointestinal emptying. The effect of Ferula resins at this concentration showed inhibition of the normal intestinal propulsion. The plant resin showing prokinetic action or reducing propulsive action of the gut caused a moderate inhibitory effect/anti-spasmogenic activity/spasmolytic activity.