Asafoetida Research Articles

Antiviral Potential of Selected Medicinal Herbs and Their Isolated Natural Products

Viruses are responsible for a variety of human pathogenesis. Owing to the enhancement of the world population, global travel, and rapid urbanization, and infectious outbreaks, a critical threat has been generated to public health, as preventive vaccines and antiviral therapy are not available. Herbal medicines and refined natural products have resources for the development of novel antiviral drugs. These natural agents have shed light on preventive vaccine development and antiviral therapies. This review intends to discuss the antiviral activities of plant extracts and some isolated plant natural products based on mainly preclinical (in vitro and in vivo) studies. Twenty medicinal herbs were selected for the discussion, and those are commonly recognized antiviral medicinal plants in Ayurveda (Zingiber officinale, Caesalpinia bonducella, Allium sativum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ferula assafoetida, Gymnema sylvestre, Gossypium herbaceum, Phyllanthus niruri, Trachyspermum ammi, Withania somnifera, Andrographis paniculata, Centella asiatica, Curcuma longa, Woodfordia fruticose, Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia chebula, Tamarindus indica, Terminalia arjuna, Azadirachta indica, and Ficus religiosa). However, many viruses remain without successful immunization and only a few antiviral drugs have been approved for clinical use. Hence, the development of novel antiviral drugs is much significant and natural products are excellent sources for such drug developments. In this review, we summarize the antiviral actions of selected plant extracts and some isolated natural products of the medicinal herbs.

Allelopathic effect of herbal formulation containing Ferula assa-foetida L. essential oil and castor oil (Ricinus communis L.) as an herbicide on Amaranthus retroflexus L. seed germination

Allelopathic effect of herbal formulation containing Ferula assa-foetida L. essential oil and castor oil (Ricinus communis L.) as an herbicide on Amaranthus retroflexus L. seed germination

Standardization of a Formulation of Timogar and Ferula Assa-Foetida Dry Resin Extract and its Biological Activity

Standardization of a Formulation of Timogar and Ferula Assa-Foetida Dry Resin Extract and its Biological Activity

Angiogenesis-modulating properties of ethanolic extract of Ferula assa-foetida oleo-gum-resin

Objectives: Angiogenesis has been known to have a critical role in the tumour growth. Different studies indicated that angiogenesis was stimulated by hypoxia. In the present study, we assessed the anti-angiogenesis activity of ethanolic extract of Ferula assa-foetida (EEFA) on hypoxic-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Materials and Methods: The F. assa-foetida gum extract was characterised by total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC). The active compounds of EEFA were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Then, cytotoxic effects of EEFA on the growth of HUVECs were assessed using MTT assay, wound healing and cell cycle analysis. The expression of Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Akt,HIF-1, VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR-1) and VEGFR-2 genes was also quantified by Real-Time PCR. GeneMANIA and EnrichR databases were used to predict gene network interactions for the studied genes and their mechanism. Results: The TFC and TPC of the extract were 26 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of extract and 5.45 mg quercetin/g, respectively. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of anti-angiogenic components in EEFA. Our data showed that EEFA had no cytotoxicity effect on HUVECs. The obtained results also indicated that EEFA prevented the proliferation and migration of HUVECs. Expression analysis showed that EEFA significantly decreased the VEGF-A mRNA level in the hypoxia-induced HUVECs. No change was found in the VEGFR-2 gene expression following treatment with EEFA in the HUVECs. However, the significantly upregulation of the VEGFR-1 gene expression was observed in the EEFA-treated HUVECs. The bioinformatics analysis of gene-gene interaction network also showed that the studied genes play an essential role in the regulatory pathways of angiogenesis and cancer. Conclusion: These findings provided evidence about the anti-angiogenesis role of EEFA, suggesting that this could be considered in the cancer therapy.

Some aspects of morphobiology, conservation of resource potential, crop cultivation and harvesting of raw materials of promising Ferula species

Background: The purpose of this work was to increase scientific information against the background of increasing anthropogenic pressure on nature, which causes irreparable damage to the flora, especially the most sought-after raw materials (especially resins). An improvement of the situation would require cultivating wild species and establishing new plantations that combine the most effective method of cultivating and producing raw material (resins) from Ferula tadshikorum Pimenov and Ferula foetida (Bunge) Regel, in Uzbekistan. Methods: In the present note we reviewed the existing literature for Uzbekistan and the surrounding areas to compile guidelines for the production of Ferula. Results: In total, 5 different fractions of Ferula resin can be obtained, differing from each other in quality and organoleptic properties, which affects the grade and cost of the final product. The raw materials of both species of Ferula are marketed under the common commercial name "assafetida resin. After the collection of raw materials, the roots are again covered with soil. However, according to our observations, after such a long harvest and many cuts applied, the restoration of plants does not occur, the plants die. Therefore, we recommend stop collecting after receiving the Khalva-donak fraction, because this will result in better and more expensive raw materials for the market, and at the same time, will help to preserve and restore plants for subsequent years of harvesting. Conslusion: When harvesting raw materials from underground parts of two species of Ferula, it is of paramount importance to leave a mandatory 20-25% of plants intact to produce seed material. Being monocarpics, both species produce seeds only once during their ontogenesis. The obtained seed material helps to maintain the population and will also serve for further expansion of plantations. Key words: Ferula tadshikorum, Ferula foetida, medicinal plant, resin, yield, plantations, Uzbekistan.

Efficacy and safety of a gut health product (Actbiome) prepared by incorporation of asafoetida-curcumin complex onto the turmeric dietary fiber in the management of gut health and intestinal microflora in healthy subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study

The purpose of the study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of a gut health product – Actbiome in the management of gut health and intestinal microflora in healthy subjects by a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study. The Actbiome was prepared by incorporation of Asafoetida (ASF)-curcumin (CUR) complex onto the turmeric dietary fiber (TDF) with complete natural matrix. The outcome measures included changes in the intestinal microbial profile (fecal bifidobacteria and fecal lactobacilli count), immunological marker interleukin-10 (IL-10), gastrointestinal symptoms rating scale (GSRS), Bristol stool form scale (BSS), hematological parameters and lipid profiles. The Actbiome group showed 27.16% and 23.97% increase in fecal bifidobacteria and fecal lactobacilli count from screening stage to end of study respectively, whereas the placebo group showed a slight increase as 7.14% and 7.02% respectively. The inter group analysis also showed a statistically significant difference. The decrease in levels of IL-10 levels denotes anti-inflammatory property of Actbiome. The Actbiome showed significant reduction in GSRS with mean change reduction recorded as −28.57% between the study period, whereas the placebo showed an increase in mean changes as 27.27%. The changes in stool frequency assessed by BSS, after treatment all subjects in Actbiome group were reported ideal stool form which clearly indicates an improvement in symptoms of gut health due to the administration of Actbiome. This study strongly suggested that the consumption of Actbiome would be a greater beneficial effect in the management of gut and gastrointestinal health without side effects.

The Ferula Assa-foetida Essential Oil Nanoemulsion (FAEO-NE) as the Selective, Apoptotic, and Anti-Angiogenic Anticancer Compound in Human MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells and Murine Mammary Tumor Models

The Ferula assa-foetida (FA) is the healthy common-consumed anticancer beverage in Iranian folk medicine. In the current study, we aimed to produce a nanoemulsion-based drug delivery system containing FA essential oil (FAEO) and evaluate its antioxidant and anticancer activity on both MCF-7 cells and murine mammary cancer tissue. The FAEO-loaded nanoemulsion (FAEO-NE) was produced and characterized by DLS, TEM, FTIR, and Zeta potential analysis. Radical (ABTS and DPPH) scavenging activity, cytotoxic, apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic potentials of the FAEO-NE were studied by applying antioxidant (ABTS-DPPH), MTT, AO/PI cell staining, and Q-PCR analysis. Finally, its anti-tumor impact was evaluated on murine mammary tumor models. The FAEO-NE exhibited a meaningful antioxidant activity. Also, its significant cell-selective cytotoxic, apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic impacts on MCF-7 cancer cells indicated its anticancer potential. Moreover, the progressive destruction of the murine mammary glands cancer tissue confirmed their anticancer activity. Regarding the FAEO-NE cell-selective cytotoxic, apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic activity on MCF-7 breast cancer cells, it has the potential to be studied as a safe efficient anti-breast cancer agent.

Therapeutic potential of Ferula foetida(Bunge) Regel on gastric ulcer model in rats.

The plant Ferula foetida(Bunge) Regel (FFBR) has a long history in Asian traditional medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the ulcer healing potential of FFBR umbel ethanolic extract on acetic acid-induced chronic gastric ulcer in rats. First, the gastric ulcer model was imitated by serosal application of acetic acid in male Wistar rats. Then, the animals were orally fed by ethanolic extract of FFBR umbel (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg), omeprazole (40 mg/kg), or saline for 12 days. Eventually, on the 13th day, animals were sacrificed, and their stomachs were taken out. The macroscopic and microscopic appearances of gastric ulcers and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in gastric tissues were assessed. In addition, the expression of NF-κB p65 was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Compared to the untreated rats with gastric ulcer, FFBR extract significantly decreased ulcer area even superior to omeprazole in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, histological examination revealed that the extract (300 mg/kg) accelerated the epithelialization and differentiation of proliferative cells to mucosal tissue. The FFBR extract (300 mg/kg) increased tissue levels of VEGF and PGE2, but it did not affect MDA levels in rats with gastric ulcers. FFBR treatment (all doses) could significantly inhibit the expression of NF-κB p65 in gastric tissue. Taken together, experimental findings suggested that FFBR could accelerate the healing process of gastric ulcers in rats through mediating NF-κB and VEGF/PGE2 pathways.

Introducing Alternaria tenuissima SBUp1, as an endophytic fungus of Ferula assa‐foetida from Iran, which is a rich source of rosmarinic acid

Endophytic fungi are the endogenous micro-organisms to interacting with the plant cells, which do not exhibit any symptoms on the host plant and may produce some of the main secondary metabolites of the host plant cells. Ferula assa-foetida is a perennial and endemic medicinal plant of Iran, which is a rich source of sesquiterpene, coumarins, polysulfides and phenolic acids. In this study, 28 endophytic fungi isolates including Fusarium (60·7%), Aspergillus (7·1%), Alternaria (17·9%) and Plectosphaerella (7·1%) were isolated from F. assa-foetida root (57·1%), stem (32·1%) and leaf (10·8%) collected from Parvand protected area. Subsequently, their ability to produce phenolic acids was evaluated. The high amounts of total phenol (326·09mgg-1 of dry weight, DW), total flavonoid (901·11mgg-1 DW) and antioxidant activity (247·96mgl-1 ) were found in the supernatant fluid of SBUp1 isolate. The high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of 14 phenolic acids showed that rosmarinic acid (RA) is the main phenolic acid in the supernatant fluid of SBUp1 by 64·11mgg-1 DW confirmed by the liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric analysis. According to morphological identification followed by phylogenetic study based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) analysis, the SBUp1 isolate was identified as Alternaria tenuissima. Eventually, to our knowledge, it is the first document confirming A. tenuissima as an endophytic fungus of F. assa-foetida, which is a rich source of RA.

Effect of Afghan Ferula assa-foetida L. and Crocus Sativus L. Aqueous Extracts Combination on Withdrawal Signs in Morphine-Dependent Rats

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Afghan Ferula assa-foetida L. and Crocus Sativus L. aqueous extracts either alone or in combination on morphine withdrawal signs. For this purpose, rats were randomly divided into 13 groups (1 Normal, 1 Morphine, 4 Ferula assa-foetida-treated groups, 4 Crocus sativus-treated groups, and 3 combination groups). Morphine dependency was rendered by subcutaneous injection of morphine hydrochloride for 4 days (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg doses twice daily for 3 days and a single dose of 60 mg/kg on 4th day). Various doses of extracts were injected into extract groups simultaneously with morphine. After two hours of last morphine administration, withdrawal signs were induced by naloxone (3 mg/kg) and noted for 30 minutes. According to the results, different doses of Ferula assa-foetida and Crocus sativus extracts and their combination (in low dose) could significantly decrease the number of morphine withdrawal signs (P<0.05). However, the combination of Ferula assa-foetida and Crocus sativus extracts in high doses showed toxic effects. In conclusion, Ferula assa-foetida and Crocus sativus extract combination in low dose can decrease the morphine withdrawal signs, but without any synergic effects.

Study on toxicity and LC50 of some medicinal plants using Artemia salina test

From the past until now, the plants and their products have been used as food and medicine in the nutrition and treatment of diseases in humans and animals. However, in the popular perception, the herbal nature of a medicinal or food product was equivalent to its lack of toxicity and safety, and the side effects and toxicity of the plants and their products have been less studied. Therefore, the use of a system that incorporates the bioethical considerations, speed, simplicity, and at the same time economic considerations is necessary to estimate the toxicity and determine the LC50 of medicinal plants before consumption. The aim of this study was to use the organism Artemia salina in the evaluation of toxicity and LC50 of some medicinal plants. In this study, the extract toxicity of medicinal plants Rosa damascena Mill., Descurainia sophia (L.) Schur, Ferula assa-foetida L., Colchicum autumnale L., Allium sativum L., and Taxus baccata L. was assessed by determining the LC50 index using the Artemia salina test. The extracts were prepared by the maceration technique. The Artemia salina cysts were hatched out in the artificial seawater at 27 °C and the larvae were then exposed to the plant extracts at the different concentrations (10, 100, and 1000 mg.ml-1) for 24 hours. The concentration needed to kill half of the larvae (LC50) was calculated. The LC50 levels of D. sophia, A. sativum, R. damascena, T. baccata, C. autumnale, and F. assa-foetida were obtained 4812, 3316, 997, 44.07, 10.44, and 2.37 mg.ml-1, respectively. Overall, the results showed that A. salina test could be used as a model in determining the LC50 index for the toxicological tests of herbal products.

The loaded Ferula assa-foetida seed essential oil in Solid lipid nanoparticles (FSEO-SLN) as the strong apoptosis inducer agents in human NTERA-2 embryocarcinoma cells

ABSTRACT In the current study,Ferula assa foetida seed oil (FS) (FSEO) was loaded into Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) to analyze its apoptotic and anti-angiogenic potential, respectively. The FSEO-loaded SLN (FSEO-SLN) was synthesized and characterized by TEM, DLS, FTIR, and Zeta potential analysis. The cytotoxic, apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic activities of the FSEO-SLN were evaluated by studying the NT2 survival rate, cell cycle phases, and apoptotic gene expression profile (TNF-α, P21, and Cas3). Finally, the impact of FSEO-SLN on the length and number of the CAM blood vessels were analyzed. The FSEO-SLN nanoparticles exhibited a significant cell-growth suppressive impact on the human NT-2 cancer stem cell line. They induced apoptotic death by up-regulating the expression of TNF-α, P21, Cas3 genes. The FSEO-SLN remarkably suppressed angiogenesis in CAM tissue by decreasing the length and number of its blood vessels. Therefore, it has the potential to be studied as an efficient anti-cancer agent.

Seizures and Phytotherapy: The Most Important Medicinal Plants Used for Seizures in Children and Adults in Iranian Ethnobotanical Documents

Due to the relatively high prevalence of seizures (8%), the cases of prescribing these drugs are very high and usually have many side effects, so in this review study, the use of medicinal plants in different regions of Iran in ethnobotanical documents was extracted and reported. In this study, for this purpose, keywords such as convulsion (seizure), medicinal plants, ethnobotany, identification of medicinal plants, region and Iran were performed. Databases such as ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ISC, Magiran and Google Scholar were used to review articles and resources. Based on the results, Anthemis nobilis L., Leonurus cardiac L., Lotus corniculatus L., Hyoscyamus niger L., Salvia spp., Grammosciadium platycarpum Boiss. &amp; Hausskn., Nigella sativa L., Anethum graveolens L., Papaver fugax Poir., Lotus corniculatus L., Verbascum thapsus L., Ferula assa-foetida L., Ferula gumosa Boiss., Heracleum persicum Desf.ex Fischer., Angelica archangelica L., Vicia faba L., Verbascum pseudonobile Stoj &amp; Stef., Melissa officinalis L., Teucrium polium L., Datura stramonium L., Hymenocrater spp. and Melissa officinalis L., are medicinal plants that are used in different parts of Iran to treat seizures. The data collected in this study were analyzed using Microsoft Excel program. According to the results, the plants of this study belong to 11 plant families. The aerial part with 32% is the most plant part used for seizures. Also, most of the medicinal plants used to treat seizures were related to the northern region of Khuzestan. Ethnobotanical knowledge can provide pure ideas for modern pharmacological knowledge and lead to the production of effective natural anticonvulsant drugs.

Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (pal) and chalcone synthase (chs) genes in some Iranian endemic species of Apiaceae

The Apiaceae family includes many valuable medicinal species. The Phenyl propanoid pathway is a source of many of critical secondary metabolites. Hence, the identification of involved genes will improve a better understanding of their medicinal properties. The purpose of this research was to obtain a genomic DNA sequence of two important genes including phenylalanine ammonia lyase 2 (pal2) and chalcone synthase (chs) in some Iranian endemic species of Apiaceae viz. Dorema aucheri, Ferula assa-foetida, Prangos ferulaceae, Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff., Ferulago angulata, Heracleum persicum, and Ducrosia anethifolia. For this purpose, conserved regions of each gene were sequenced. Multiple alignments revealed that studied sequences shared a high degree of similarity based on genes pal2 (78%) and chs (66.9%). The results from the neighbor-joining analysis produced different topologies with moderately to high support. The genera of Ferula and Dorema were the closest, while Ferulago and Ducrosia possessed a greater genetic distance to each other based on the pal2 gene. Moreover, the two genera (Ferulago and Prangos) were grouped based on genes pal2 and chs. The NJ analysis revealed that the four Apiaceae genera did not form a monophyletic group based on the chs gene, which showed a higher level of diversity in the chs family alongside the expansion of Apiaceae. Partial-length genomic DNA sequence of these genes helped realize their evolutionary relationships and led to a better understanding of antioxidant and medicinal properties.

Volatiles from Selected Apiaceae Species Cultivated in Poland—Antimicrobial Activities

As part of our ongoing research on phytoconstituents that can act as promising antimicrobial agents, the essential oils of nine selected Apiaceae plants, cultivated in Poland, were studied. The volatiles of the aerial parts with fruits (herba cum fructi) of Silaum silaus, Seseli devenyense, Seseli libanotis,Ferula assa-foetida, Glehnia littoralis and Heracleum dulce, in addition to the fruits (fructi) of Torilis japonica and Orlaya grandiflora as well as of the aerial parts (herba) of Peucedanum luxurians were investigated through Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry to identify more than 60 different metabolites. The essential oils from S. devenyense, H. dulce, T. japonica and P. luxurians are reported for the first time. All examined species were also assayed for their antimicrobial activities against several human pathogenic Gram-positive and -negative bacteria and fungi. The species H. dulce, S. devenyense and S. libanotis exerted the strongest antimicrobial activity, mostly against Gram-positive bacteria strains (MIC values 0.90–1.20 mg/mL). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to determine the antimicrobial activity of the above Apiaceae species.

Milk dessert containing Lactobacillus reuteri (ATCC 23272) encapsulated with sodium alginate, Ferula assa-foetida and Zedo (Amygdalus scoparia) gum as three layers of wall materials

The viability of probiotics during the harsh condition is always problematic, and therefore this study was aimed to combat this defect by encapsulation of Lactobacillus reuteri in the dairy dessert during rigid situations of the gastrointestinal tract and thermal treatment. The characteristics of triple-layer beads consisted of alginate, Ferula assa-foetida gum (FAFG11Ferula assa-foetida gum.) and Zedo (Amygdalus scoparia) gum were evaluated using scanning (SEM22Scanning electron microscopy.) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM33Transmission electron microscopy.). Afterward, microencapsulated L. reuteri (MLR44Microencapsulated Lactobacillus reuteri.) and free L. reuteri (FLR) were incorporated into a dessert separately. The dessert was subjected to physicochemical, microbiological, sensory attributes, bacterial survival during gastrointestinal (GI55Gastrointestinal.) condition and storage time. Results indicated a significant improvement in the MLR survival (P≤0.05) which was also greater than the FLR through heat exposure at 72°C. The FLR experienced about 7.6 log reductions after exposure at 72°C for 5min, whereas MLR was reduced by nearly 2 log cycles. Microencapsulation improved the viability of MLR (7.5 log CFUg−1) during the storage time. At the end of the storage time, the survivability of the MLR and FLR was (44.8 and 18.8%) separately in the GI condition. Overall, these observations recommended the possibile application of MLR for dairy dessert.

Extraction, fatty acid profile, phytochemical composition and antioxidant activities of fixed oils from spices belonging to Apiaceae and Lamiaceae family.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05036-1.

Research On Cultivation Of Medicinal Plants

The article describes the results of research on the cultivation of Ferula assa-foetida L. plant, one of the valuable medicinal plant species. It was found that the seeds of Ferula assa-foetida L. plant have good germination properties in laboratory and field conditions, and it is possible to establish its industrial plantations by sowing the seeds.

Understanding Humma-e-Wabai (epidemic fever) and Amraz-e-Wabai (epidemic disease) in the light of Unani medicine.

The pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of Humma-e-Wabai were described several years ago in the Unani System of Medicine close to the clinical manifestation associated with epidemic or pandemic situations. In the Unani System of Medicine, Humma-e-Wabai described under the legend of epidemic disease (Amraz-e-Wabai). Amraz-e-Wabai is an umbrella term which is applied for all types of epidemic or pandemic situation. Renowned Unani Scientists like; Zakariya Rhazi (865-925 AD), Ali Ibn Abbas Majusi (930-994 AD), Ibn Sina (980-1037 AD), Ismail Jorjani (1,042-1,137 AD), Ibn Rushd etc., explained that Humma-e-Waba is an extremely rigorous, lethal fever, that is caused due to morbid air (fasid hawa) and it frequently spreads among the larger population in the society. There are four etiological factors responsible for Amraz-e-Wabai viz; change in the quality of air, water, earth, and celestial bodies, which was described by Ibn Sina in Canon of Medicine. He also advised that movements should be limited during epidemic situations. Shelters should be fumigated with loban (Styrax benzoin W. G. Craib ex Hartwich.), Kafoor (Cinnamomum camphora L.), Oodkham (Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.), Hing (Ferula foetida L.), myrtle (Myrtus communis L.), and sandalwood (Santalum album L.), etc. The use of vinegar (sirka) and rose water (arque gulab) has been advocated to prevent the infection by spray. Avoid consumption of flesh, oil, milk, sweets, alcohol. Food prepared with vinegar. Specific antidotes (e.g. Tiryaq-e-Wabai, Tiryaq-e-Farooque), should be used as prophylaxis. This review attempts to explain the concept, prevention, and management of epidemic or pandemic situations.

THERAPEUTIC ACTION OF HINGU IN RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: A LITERARY REVIEW

Man has been struggling to get remedies for various life-threatening disorders which are common in the day to day life of the busy world. Many lifestyle disorders such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, thyroid dysfunction, respiratory disorders, skin diseases, etc. arise due to incompatible diet, polluted atmosphere, sedentary life style, lack of exercise, lack of proper sleep, etc. Ayurveda, the science of life, advices to follow Dinacharya, Ritucharya, Sadvritta etc for the benefit of the common man to enhance longevity. Ayurveda utilizes the wide range of herbal drugs either as single drug or in combination for the purpose of health care remedies. The phyto constituents present in these drugs play the major role in treating the diseases. Ferula foetida, known as Hingu in Ayurveda has promising therapeutic value due to the presence of chemical constituents like sulphide derivatives, volatile oil etc. Many studies revealed the various pharmacological actions of Hingu such as carminative, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, etc. This review highlights the available information on the drug Hingu by due consideration to the action of Hingu on the respiratory system and the formulations with Hingu as an ingredient as available in the Ayurvedic texts in treating respiratory disorders. Some other aspects are also discussed in the review.