Asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida): A high-value crop suitable for the cold desert of Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida) also known as heeng, Devil’s drug, ferula, food of Gods, incense of Devil, stinking gum is an important spice crop belonging to family Apiaceae. It is native to Iran and Afghanistan. Its dried latex (gum oleoresin) is generally used for flavouring curries, sauces, and pickles. Therapeutically, it stimulates the intestinal and respiratory tracts as well as the nervous system. It is beneficial in asthma, whooping cough, and chronic bronchitis. Its essential oil is also used in medicines, food and cosmetic industries. Besides, it is also used as an alternative for pesticides in organic farming. The major constituents of asafoetida are the resin (40–64%), gum (25%) and essential oil (10–17%). The butyl propenyl disulphide is responsible for the aroma of asafoetida. The asaresinotannol is the major constituent present in the resin. It can be grown on unproductive cold deserts of dry temperate areas of Himalayas. It is mainly propagated by seeds. The seeds are sown either in winters or spring. It becomes ready for harvesting after 5 years of planting and yields around 900g per plant. The oleo gum resin and essential oil derived from this plant are sold at premium prices in the international market. The small and marginal farmers of Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba can benefit from this new emerging crop.

Reassessing the Role of Anthropogenic Climate Change in the Extinction of Silphium

“…Lastly, the extensive list of silphium's medicinal and culinary applications, provided to us primarily by Pliny (Bostock and Riley, 1855), and reiterated by later authors (e.g., Goodyer, 1655), yield valuable insights into its potential phytochemical properties. Notably, the resinous exudate of both F. drudeana and F. asafoetida contain numerous compounds whose known medicinal effects closely mirror those of laser (Bostock and Riley, 1855;George, 2006;Mahendra and Bisht, 2012;Sood, 2020;Miski, 2021). The processed exudate of F. asafoetida [known simply as "asafoetida" or "hing" (George, 2006)] was frequently used in ancient times to either adulterate or substitute authentic laser due to its shared properties and uses (medicinal, culinary, or otherwise).…”

Preliminary Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Hypolipidemic Potential of Aqueous Extract of Ferula asafoetida-An in vitro Study

“…The extract was prepared by a hot percolation method. Phytochemical analysis, assessment of in vitro antioxidant and anti cholesterol potential was evaluated [33].…”