Asafoetida Research Articles

Antitumor effect of Ferula assa foetida oleo gum resin against breast cancer induced by 4T1 cells in BALB/c mice

BackgroundFerula assa foetida commonly consumed as a healthy beverage has been demonstrated to have various biological activities, including antioxidation, anti-obesity and anti-cancer. ObjectiveOur study aims to investigate the antitumor effect of asafoetida in vivo using mouse mammary carcinoma 4T1 cells. Materials and methodsIn the study, female BALB/c mice were divided into two groups (n = 6), which were control (untreated) and other group of mice with breast cancer treated with 100 mg/kg of asafoetida, respectively, by oral gavage. All mice were injected into the mammary fat pad with 4T1 cells (1 × 105 4T1 cells/0.1 ml of phosphate buffer solution). Asafoetida was administered on day 15 after the tumor had developed for 3 weeks. At end of experiment, tumor weight, tumor volume and tumor burden were measured and lung, liver, kidney and tumor were harvested and sections were prepared for histopathological analysis. Lipoxygenase inhibitory and antioxidant activity of asafoetida was also determined. ResultsOur results showed that treatment with asafoetida was effective in decreasing the tumor weight and tumor volume in treated mice. Body weight significantly increased in female BALB/c mice against control. Apart from the antitumor effect, asafoetida decreased lung, liver and kidney metastasis and also increased areas of necrosis in the tumor tissue respectively. ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that asafoetida has potent antitumor and antimetastasis effects on breast cancer and is a potential source of natural antitumor products.

A single-blind randomized comparative study of Asafoetida vs Mefenamic acid in dysmenorrhea, associated symptoms and health-related quality of life

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and safety of asafoetida (Ferula assafoetida L. oleo-gum-resin) with mefenamic acid (NSAID) to alleviate dysmenorrhea, associated systemic symptoms and improvement in health-related quality of life. MethodsPatients (n=60) were randomly allocated to receive asafetida (n=30) or mefenamic acid (n=30) in this single-blind, randomized, standard controlled trial. Test and control drug, 250mg was administered and given orally twice daily for 5days; 2days prior to and first three days of menstruation for two consecutive cycles. The primary outcomes included the severity of pain assessed with visual analogue scale, verbal multidimensional scale and safety assessment. Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life (HRQoL) determined using SF-36 health survey questionnaire, pain duration, associated systemic symptoms and PBLAC (Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart) score for menstrual blood loss. The data was statistically interpreted with 5% level of significance. ResultsBetween the groups, at baseline, pain severity did not differ significantly (P>0.05) however, after the intervention, a significant decrease in pain severity was noted in both groups (P<0.001). At third menstrual cycle, asafetida showed a significant decrease in pain severity compared to mefenamic acid on day one (P<0.0004) however no significant difference was observed on day two and day three (P>0.05). At post-intervention improvement in HRQoL and decrease in pain duration was significantly higher in the test group compared with control group. Systemic symptoms decreased significantly in both groups after intervention. No side effects were reported. ConclusionAsafoetida was effective and safe to relieve menstrual cramps and to improve HRQoL. Further, its effect was comparable with mefenamic acid.

IN VITRO ANTIDIABETIC EFFECTS OF FERULA ASSA-FOETIDA EXTRACTS THROUGH DIPEPTIDYL PEPTIDASE IV AND α-GLUCOSIDASE INHIBITORY ACTIVITY

Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) causes hyperglycemia, which is one of the most common diseases in the world. One of the strategies for the treatment of diabetes is maintaining postprandial glucose level through inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) and α-glucosidase enzymes. The aim of this study was to determine in vitro antidiabetic potential of Ferula assa-foetida via DPP-IV and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.Methods: F. assa-foetida seeds were extracted in methanol, ethanol, ethanol-methanol, and water. Inhibitory activity on DPP-IV and α-glucosidase wasperformed in vitro and measured spectrophotometrically at λ=405 nm.Results: The result showed that the F. assa-foetida seed extract is effective against both enzymes. All fractions had DPP-IV inhibitory activity, but the ethanolic fraction had the highest inhibitory activity on DPP-IV enzyme and significantly decreased DPP-IV activity (24.5%). With respect to α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, the aqueous extract has the highest inhibitory activity (28%).Conclusion: According to the results of this study, F. assa-foetida contains DPP-IV and α-glucosidase inhibitors and could be a potential source for the discovery of active constituents as α-glucosidase and DPP-IV inhibitors to treat Type 2 DM.Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Herbal medicine, Dipeptidyl peptidase IV, α-glucosidase.

Phytochemical evaluation and antioxidant assay of ethanolic extracts of traditional medicinal plants (&lt;em&gt;Ferula assafoetida, Saussurea costus, Peganum harmala&lt;/em&gt;) in oman

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Ferula assafoetida, Saussurea costus&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Peganum harmala&lt;/em&gt; are considered an important traditional folk medicines in Oman, extracts of these plants were screened for assessing bioactive phytochemical constituents and their antioxidant property. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were evaluated to explore the reliable and potential sources of novel natural antioxidants. Preliminary phytochemical screening of different plant extracts and phytochemical investigation showed variations in the presence and amount of active ingredients. All the fractions of &lt;em&gt;P.harmala&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;S.costus and F.assafoetida have &lt;/em&gt;flavonoid and phenolic compounds, whereas, the highest amount was found in &lt;em&gt;F.assafoetida which was &lt;/em&gt;0.370, 0.053 mg/ml respectively. Under antioxidant study the H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; free radical scavenging potential and Phosphomolybdate assay were studied &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; for the determination of antioxidant activity. However &lt;em&gt;S. costus&lt;/em&gt; extract showed the highest scavenging percentages 89%. In Phosphomolybdate assay &lt;em&gt;Ferula assafoetida &lt;/em&gt;has a very good antioxidant potential due to phenolic and flavonoid components.&lt;/p&gt;

Effect of Breaking Dormancy Treatments on Germination of Ferula assa-foetida Seed

Effect of Breaking Dormancy Treatments on Germination of Ferula assa-foetida Seed

Ethno-veterinary practices in Southern India for captive Asian elephant ailments

Ethenopharmacological relevanceIndia has a long tradition of practicing Ayurvedic medicine not only for human ailments, but also for the management of livestock in the form of ethno-veterinary practices. Asian elephant is a significant part of Indian culture, and ethno-veterinary practices have extended to manage and cure various ailments of Asian elephant in captivity. Much of this knowledge has been lost in the light of modern practices. Aim of the studyThis study is aimed at documenting the existing knowledge on ethno-veterinary medicines practiced by elephant keepers (mahouts) in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Materials and methodsThe study was carried out between June 2015 and February 2016 employing a questionnaire survey among 50 selected informants (mahouts) with traditional knowledge on plants in veterinary medicine. Information was elicited from the informants on various diseases prevailing among captive elephants and the traditional treatment employed by them. ResultsIn total, the study documented 53 plant species belonging to 29 families being used as medicine for 23 types of ailments prevailing among captive elephants. Ferula assa-foetida, Zingiber officinale, Piper longum, P. nigrum, Cuminum cyminum, Trachyspermum roxburghianum and Carum bulbocastanum were the most commonly used plants either independently or in combination. Among them, Ferula assa-foetida (12.4%) and Zingiber officinale (10.4%) had the highest usage. Of the 23 diseases reported, constipation was the most common ailment (14.6%) followed by bloating (8.7%) and flatulence (8.7%). ConclusionDocumentation of this indigenous knowledge is valuable for the communities concerned, both at present and in future and for scientific consideration for wider use of traditional knowledge in treating captive elephants. The study has identified 53 medicinal plants to treat various ailments among captive elephants in southern India. The most frequently used plants in the captive elephant health care practice are F. assafoetida, Z. officinale, P. longum and P.nigrum. Among the 29 families, Apiaceae and Piperaceae are widely used. The leaves are the most useful part of the plants, while paste is the widely used form of preparation. The present findings show that mahouts have wide knowledge about elephant diseases and their treatment using herbal medicine. A more detailed investigation should be designed on priority to document the dying art of ethno-veterinary practices for the long-term conservation of the Asian elephant.

Larvicidal and Growth Regulatory of Gum Resin Powders from Aloe Vera, Astragalus Sarcocolla, Commefora Myrrha and Ferula Assa-Foetida L against Trogoderma Granarium Everts

Larvicidal and Growth Regulatory of Gum Resin Powders from Aloe Vera, Astragalus Sarcocolla, Commefora Myrrha and Ferula Assa-Foetida L against Trogoderma Granarium Everts

Antinociceptive effect of seed's essential oil of Ferula assa-foetida in Mice

Background and Aim: Ferula assa‑foetida L. is distributed throughout Central Asia and Mediterranean area and grows wildly in Iran and Afghanistan. In Iranian traditional medicine, F. assa‑foetida is considered to be sedative, analgesic, carminative, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihelminthic, emmenagogue, and expectorant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of seed’s essential oil of F. assa‑foetida (SEOFAF) in mice. Methods: The analgesic activity of SEOFAF (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) was compared with that of sodium diclofenac (30 mg/kg) or morphine sulfate (8 mg/kg) using hot plate and acetic acid‑induced writhing tests. Results: In hot plate test, the percentage of maximum possible effect against the thermal stimulus at 15 min posttreatment time point for all doses of SEOFAF was significantly greater than control group. The number of writhes in all three doses of SEOFAF was significantly less than control group. Conclusion: According to our findings, SEOFAF exhibited a significant antinociceptive effect on chronic and acute pain in mice. These effects probably involve central opioid pathways and peripheral anti‑inflammatory action.

Evaluation of Cytotoxicity Effects of Oleo-Gum-Resin and Its Essential Oil of Ferula assa-foetida and Ferulic Acid on 4T1 Breast Cancer Cells.

Background:Cancer causes significant morbidity and mortality and is a major public health problem worldwide. Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-associated mortality in women, and the incidence is also on the rise in the entire world. Medicinal plants have been an important source of several clinically useful anticancer agents.Aim:In this study, we studied the growth inhibitory effect of asafoetida and its essential oil and ferulic acid on antitumor activity using mouse breast cancer cell line.Materials and Methods:For this aim, cells were exposed to these components at different concentrations and for different time durations. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was carried out to characterize the cytotoxicity of the constituents used.Results:Our results showed that all three constituents could inhibit 4T1 cell proliferation. Our MTT assay results showed a significant cytotoxicity effect in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. It also demonstrated that essential oil of asafoetida has a stronger effect in decreasing viability breast cancer cells. Ferulic acid showed a significant effect only at a dose of 500 μg/ml.Conclusions:Based on the results of cellular carried out in this study, we could demonstrate that asafoetida and its essential oil and ferulic acid have inhibitory effect on the growth of breast cancer cell line. As evidenced from these preliminary results, asafoetida and its derivative constituents may be considered as attractive alternatives to serve as lead compounds in drug development for breast cancer as an adjuvant therapy. However, much remains to be done before such agent could be introduced to the clinic.

Ethno Botanical Potential for Medicinal Ferula assa-foetida as a main Medical Plant in East of Iran

Ferula assa-foetidaL. (Apiaceae) is a medicinal plant indigenous to Iran and Afghanistan. This plant is one of the most important among the thirty species of Ferula distributed in Iran. Iran is one of the most important producers of this plant in the world. It is an herbaceous and perennial plant that grows up to 2 m high. One part used is an oleo-gum resin, called asa-foetida or Anghoze in Persian, obtained by incision from the roots. Many people in Mediterranean region who onsult with spiritual healers, homeopaths and herbalists are utilizing traditional therapies. The demand for medicinal plants has increased globally due to the resurgence of interest in and acceptance of herbal medicine. The methods of extraction employed are almost invariably crude and unsystematic. As a consequence, the rates of exploitation may exceed those of local natural regeneration.Ferula is one of the most important endangered medicinal plants, which is rare in nature due to poor seed germination. It has been reported in Iranian folk medicine to be antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, digestive, expectorant, laxative, sedative, nerving, analgesic, anthelmintic, aphrodisiac and antiseptic.In this article qualitative and participatory study on harvesting, main characteristics and economical importance of this valuable medicinal plantin South-Khorasan province, east of Iran has been described.

Proposed binding mechanism of galbanic acid extracted from Ferula assa–foetida to DNA

Recently, galbanic acid (GA), a sesquiterpenoid coumarin, has been introduced as an apoptotic and geno/cytotoxicity agent. In the present study, GA has been extracted from Ferula assa-foetida, a native medicinal plant in Iran, and characterized by 1H NMR, mass spectroscopy. Additionally, spectroscopic studies have been performed in order to investigate its DNA-interaction mode. The electrochemical behavior of GA has been studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) in various scan rates. In neutral media (pH=7.3) one irreversible cathodic peak was obtained at −1.46 V, while in higher scan rates an irreversible one was determined at −1.67 V. According to the voltametric data GA can be easily reduced by 2e−/2H+ mechanism at hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). The interaction of GA with ct-DNA was evaluated by CV, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), enhancement fluorescence, UV–Vis, FT-IR spectroscopy and molecular docking. The molecular docking study shows that the GA interacts to DNA on partial intercalation mode via DNA groove binding and forms a complex by van der Waals and electroastatic interactions. In addition, the thermodynamic parameters of GA-DNA complex were investigated with ΔH°, ΔS° and ΔG° values of 15.81KJmol−1, 133.95Jmol−1 and −23.10KJmol−1, respectively. All data revealed that the GA is binding to DNA by van der Waals and electrostatic interactions through the partial intercalations from the DNA's grooves.

The Effect of Ferula assa-foetida L and Carum copticum Hydroalcoholic Extract on the Expression Levels of Staphylococcus aureus Genes Involved in Quorum Sensing.

BackgroundQuorum sensing is a microbial cell-to-cell communication process. Quorum sensing bacteria produce and release extracellular messenger molecules called autoinducers. Gram-positive and Gram-negative, homoserine lactones, and oligopeptides are autoinducers used to communicate and regulate gene expression.ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to assess the impact of subinhibitory concentrations of Ferula assa-foetida l oleo-gum resin and Carum copticum fruit on the expression of tst and hld genes of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) strains.MethodsThis analytical study was performed using standard strains of MRSA (ATCC 33591) and MSSA (ATCC 29213). Suspensions of MRSA and MSSA bacteria were incubated at 37°C for 7 and 16 hours in the presence of ethanol extracts from F. assa-foetida and C. copticum. The expression of the hld and tst genes was then assessed using the real-time PCR protocol and SYBR Green Master Mix. The data analysis was carried out using the 2-ΔΔCT method.ResultsThe hld gene expression (RNAIII) of MRSA after 7 and 16 hours of exposure to the sMIC of the F. assa-foetida extract showed a fold change of -1 and 0.08, respectively, in comparison with controls. After 7 and 16 hours of exposure to the sMIC of the C. copticum extract, the fold change was -0.23 and -0.27, respectively. After exposure to the sMIC of the C. copticum extract for 16 hours, the fold change in the expression of the tst (TSST-1) MSSA gene was 0.37 lower than that of the control sample.ConclusionsThe results indicate that sMICs of ethanol extracts from F. assa-foetida and C. copticum can be used to control the expression of virulence genes in pathogenic bacteria, such as MRSA and MSSA.

Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory and Some Possible Mechanisms of Antinociceptive Effect of Ferula assa foetida Oleo Gum Resin

Asafetida is well known for its medicinal and therapeutic values in Iranian folk medicine. This study was conducted to investigate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of asafetida. In hot plate test, asafetida exhibited a significant antinociceptive effect at all administered doses and the most effective dose was 10 mg/kg. The highest maximum potent effect was observed 15 minutes after asafetida administration. The antinociceptive effect of asafetida was not reversed by administration of any antagonist used in this study but asafetida showed a remarkable antioxidant and also inhibitory action against lipoxygenase activity. Paw weight was significantly reduced only in treated animals with 2.5 mg/kg asafetida. Results clearly indicate that the asafetida could be a potential source of anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. These effects may be due to its effective constituents such as monoterpenes, flavonoids and phenolic components that have antioxidant properties and inhibit lipoxygenase activity.

Transciptomic study of mucosal immune, antioxidant and growth related genes and non-specific immune response of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fed dietary Ferula (Ferula assafoetida).

A 8-weeks feeding trial was conducted to examine the effects of different levels (0, 0.5, 1 and 2%) of dietary Ferula (Ferula assafoetida) on expression of antioxidant enzymes (GSR, GPX and GSTA), immune (TNF-alpha, IL1B, IL- 8 and LYZ) and growth (GH, IGF1 and Ghrl) genes as well as cutaneous mucus and serum non-specific immune response in common carp. The results revealed Ferula significantly increased antioxidant gene expression (GSR and GSTA) in a dose dependent manner (P<0.05). The expression of immune growth related genes were significantly higher in Ferula fed fish compared control group (P<0.05). The effects of Ferula on expression of genes was more pronounced in higher doses. Feeding on Ferula supplemented diet remarkably increased skin mucus lysozyme activity (P<0.05). However, evaluation of mucus total Ig and protease activity revealed no significant difference between control and treated groups (P>0.05). Regarding non-specific humoral response, serum total Ig, lysozyme and ACH50 showed no remarkable variation between Ferula fed carps and control group (P>0.05). These results indicated up-regulation of growth and health related genes in Ferula fed common carp. Further studies using pathogen or stress challenge is required to conclude that transcriptional modulation is beneficial in common carp.

Ferulic acid exerts antitumor activity and inhibits metastasis in breast cancer cells by regulating epithelial to mesenchymal transition.

Metastasis, which frequently occurs in breast cancer, is the major cause of mortality; therefore, new treatment strategies are urgently needed. Ferulic acid, isolated from Ferulafoetida, a perennial herb, has shown antineoplastic activity in various types of cancers, such as colon and lung cancer, and central nervous system tumors. However, its potential role in suppressing breast cancer metastasis has not been fully understood. In the present study, we evaluated the antitumor activity of ferulic acid in breast cancer cell line-based invitro and invivo models. We first showed that ferulic acid treatment resulted in decreased viability, increased apoptosis and suppression of metastatic potential in breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the antitumor activity of ferulic acid and its role in suppressing metastasis were regulated by the reversal of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Consistent with our findings invitro, the antitumor potential of ferulic acid was also verified in an MDA-MB-231 xenograft mouse model where significantly decreased tumor volume, weight and increased apoptosis were observed. Taken together, these results indicate that ferulic acid may be used as an effective therapeutic agent against breast cancer.

Ethnomedicinal uses of plants in the treatment of paediatric geohelminth infections in Kalat district of Northern Balochistan, Pakistan

Ethnopharmacological relevanceInfection by intestinal parasitic worms (soil-transmitted helminths or geohelminths) is prevalent in many parts of the world, and poses a particular health risk to children. This paper presents findings from a preliminary study with the primary aim to document indigenous knowledge about the use of herbal medicines in the treatment of intestinal worm infections in children among the local communities of Kalat district of northern Balochistan, Pakistan. Materials and methodsEthnomedicinal data were collected through a triangulation approach, that included participant-observation and rapid appraisal methods. Prior-informed consent (PIC) was obtained from participants before conducting structured and semi-structured interviews and delivering an open ended questionnaire. A total of 94 participants, including 28 men (of whom 7 were traditional healers), and 66 women of four different age groups were interviewed. Results were analyzed using quantitative indices of Use Value citations (UVC) and Disease-Consensus Index (DCI). ResultsFewer men than women agreed to be interviewed, thus overall women in the area appeared to have more ethnomedicinal knowledge. The majority of study participants belonged to the older age group (>55 years). A total of 49 plant species, belonging to 47 genera, distributed in 30 families were reported. The families Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were most frequently represented, with four species each. Trees were the most common life form, with seeds the most frequently cited plant part used (29%). Nearly a third (31%) of plant-based remedies reported in the treatment of intestinal worms were administered as a decoction. The highest UVC and DCI was reported for the species Ferula assa-foetida sL. (UVC 0.51, DCI 0.46). ConclusionsThis study provides previously unreported data on the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of geohelminth infections in children of Kalat. Eight species, Acacia modesta Wall., Asparagus capitatus Baker, Microcephala lamellata (Bunge) Pobed., Nepeta praetervisa Rech.f., Plantago ciliata Desf., Pistacia atlantica Desf., Seriphidium quettense (Podlech) Y.R.Ling and Thymus linearis Benth. are reported here as anthelmintics for the first time. Detailed studies on the anthelmintic activity of chemical constituents of these species are lacking from existing literature. Further phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicity studies are required in order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these newly reported anthelmintic species. These plants may provide a source of novel anthelmintic drug leads, which are urgently required due to the problem of global anthelmintic resistance.

A new species of the genus Polyodaspis Duda, 1933 (Diptera: Acalyptratae:Chloropidae) from Central Asia with a key to the Palaearctic species.

A new species, Polyodaspis ferulae n. sp., from Central Asia (Uzbekistan) is described. The species was collected on inflorescences of Ferula foetida (Apiaceae). Siphonella levicola Becker in Becker and Stein, 1913 described from Iran is synonymized with Polyodaspis sulcicollis (Meigen, 1838) based on investigation of the holotype. A key to 9 species of the genus Polyodaspis Duda, 1933 is proposed with illustrations of male genitalia. Polyodaspis and Anacamptoneurum Becker, 1903 are treated as separate genera. New localities of P. sulcicollis (Meigen, 1838) from Kazakhstan and Central Asia are given.

Natural Products Screening for the Identification of Selective Monoamine Oxidase-B Inhibitors.

AimsMonoamine oxidase-B inhibitors (MAO-BIs) are used for the initial therapy of Parkinson’s disease. Also, MAO-BIs have shown to be effective neuroprotective agents in several neurodegenerative diseases. However, some concerns exist regarding the long-term use of these compounds. Meanwhile, natural compounds showed potential MAO-B selective inhibitions. To date, few selective natural MAO-BIs have been identified. Therefore, the current study is designed to identify plants with potent and specific MAO-B inhibition.Study DesignIn this work, we utilized high throughput screening to evaluate the different plants ethanolic extract for their effectiveness to inhibit recombinant human (h)MAO-A and hMAO-B and to determine the relative selectivity of the top MAO-BI.MethodologyRecombinant human isozymes were verified by Western blotting, and the 155 plants were screened. A continuous fluorometric screening assay was performed followed by two separate hMAO-A and hMAO-B microtiter screenings and IC50 determinations for the top extracts.ResultsIn the screened plants, 9% of the extracts showed more than 1.5-fold relative inhibition of hMAO-B (RIB) and another 9% showed more than 1.5-fold relative inhibition of hMAO-A. The top extracts with the most potent RIBs were Psoralea corylifolia seeds, Phellodendron amurense bark, Glycyrrhiza uralensis roots, and Ferula assafoetida roots, with the highest RIB of 5.9-fold. Furthermore, extensive maceration of the promising extracts led to increase inhibitory effects with a preserved RIB as confirmed with luminescence assay. The top four extracts hMAO-BIs were equally potent (IC50= 1.3 to 3.8 μg/mL) with highly significant relative selectivities to inhibit hMAO-B (4.1- to 13.4-fold).ConclusionThe obtained results indicate that Psoralea corylifolia seeds, Ferula assafoetida, Glycyrrhiza uralensis roots, and Phellodendron amurense ethanolic extracts have selective inhibitions for human MAO-B. Investigating these plant extracts as natural resources for novel selective MAO-BIs may lead to the development of molecules that can be used in the therapeutic management of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease.

Effect of Ferula assa-foetida oleo-gum-resin on renal function in normal Wistar rats.

In traditional Iranian medicine, asafoetida, an oleo-gum-resin obtained from the roots of Ferula assa-foetida, has been prescribed as a diuretic. This study was undertaken to investigate the diuretic effect of asafoetida in normal rats. Asafoetida was administered orally at the doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg and furosemide (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) was used as positive control. The diuretic effect was evaluated by measuring urine volume and sodium, potassium, urea, and creatinine content in urine and serum. Urine volume, excretion of sodium, and potassium were significantly increased by asafoetida as compared to the control group. A significant increase in creatinine clearance was observed in the groups treated with asafoetida at the doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg (P < 0.05). We conclude that asafoetida induced a diuretic effect comparable to that produced by the reference diuretic furosemide. This study provides a quantitative basis for explaining the folkloric use of asafoetida as a diuretic agent.

Ecology­phytocoenotic characteristic of Ferula foetida (Bunge) of Regel. inMangyshlak desert assosiations

Ecology­phytocoenotic characteristic of Ferula foetida (Bunge) of Regel. inMangyshlak desert assosiations