Ferula asafetida

Ferula asafetida 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. Besides other pharmacological activities carried out and described here the effect of Ferula resins at described 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.