-IBIS-1.5.0-

rx

herb

Ferula asafoetida (Assa-foetida)

botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Ferula asafoetida

synonyms: asafoetida, asafetida, assa-foetida, devil's dung, food of the gods

part(s) used: oleo-gum resin

qualities:

affinities:

actions:

dosage:

» powder: 0.3 - 1

» tincture: 2 - 4 ml.

therapy:

AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 2b, 2d

toxicity: 1

» contraindicated during pregnancy due to its abortifacient effect and the emmenogogue effect of its gum-resin (Brinker, Farnsworth, Felter & Lloyd)

» contraindicated for infant colic (McGuffin)

» contact dermatitis may occur with exposure to the plant resin (Duke, p. 194)

» cases of impaired digestion with eructation have occurred; accompanied by warm or painful flatulence, intestinal inflammation, dysuria, nervousness, giddiness, "flying pains", hysteria, and enhancement of menstrual flow, and increased sexual desire have been noted; overdose signs also include tachycardia, tachypnea, and an increase in bronchial mucous secretions (Phillips, p. 220)

» laboratory test results: methemoglobinemia (Kelly, Neu, and Camitta)

constituents:

footnotes

Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Duke, J.A. 1985. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.

Farnsworth NR, Bingel AS, Cordell GA, Crane FA, Fong HHS. 1975. Potential Value of Plants as Sources of New Antifertility Agents I. J. Pharm. Sci., 64:535-98.

Felter, H. W., and Lloyd, J. U. 1983. King's American Dispensatory, Vols. I and II. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Kelly, K.J., Neu, J., Camitta, B.M. 1984. Methemoglobinemia in an infant treated with the folk remedy glycerited Asafoetida. Pediatrics. 73: 717-719.

Phillips, C.D. 1879. Materia Medica and Therapeutics: Vegetable Kingdom. New York: William Wood and Company.

alue of Plants as Sources of New Antifertility Agents I. J. Pharm. Sci., 64:535-98.

Felter, H. W., and Lloyd, J. U. 1983. King's American Dispensatory, Vols. I and II. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Kelly, K.J., Neu, J., Camitta, B.M. 1984. Methemoglobinemia in an infant treated with the folk remedy glycerited Asafoetida. Pediatrics. 73: 717-719.

Phillips, C.D. 1879. Materia Medica and Therapeutics: Vegetable Kingdom. New York: William Wood and Company.

B> New York: William Wood and Company.