Foetid ferula

Family: Umbelliferae. Pharmacopoeial name: gum of the rhizome of Ferula - Asa foetida.

Botanical description. At first this plant produces only a rosette of very large petiolate leaves; in the fifth year a robust stem grows from its center up to 3 m in height and 10 cm in thickness, with dissected leaves and inflorescences in compound umbels. It is found in Eastern Iran and Afghanistan, on saline areas of steppes.

Active compounds: a resin containing up to 60% of a ferulic acid ester, azaresitanol, coumarins, essential oil, vanillin and a number of other substances.

Therapeutic action and uses. In the form of galenical preparations it was formerly used for flatulence and intestinal sluggishness (also in homeopathy). In regions where it grows it is also used as a condiment.