Ferula gummosa

Ferula gummosa, commonly known as Asafoetida or Hing, is a perennial herb prized for its pungent, aromatic resin. Extracted from the roots of the Ferula genus, this medicinal plant has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine to treat digestive issues, respiratory ailments, and inflammatory conditions.

  • Scientific name: Ferula gummosa
  • Family: Apiaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Apiales and the family Apiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is placed within the genus Ferula.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Apiales WCVP
Family Apiaceae WCVP
Genus Ferula WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Ferula gummosa, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In Russian, it is referred to as Ферула камеденосная, while in Belarusian, it is called Ферула камедзяносная. In Swedish, the plant is known as galbanum. Its traditional names also include باریجه in Persian and قنة in Arabic.
Language Common Name Source
ru Ферула камеденосная Wikidata
fa باریجه Wikidata
sv galbanum Wikidata
be Ферула камедзяносная Wikidata
ar قنة Wikidata
tg Бориҷа Wikidata
zh 香膠阿魏 Wikidata
arz قنه Wikidata
mzn جرن Wikidata
fr Férule gommeuse Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Ferula gummosa, exhibits a specific and limited range of occurrence across two major regions. Its primary distribution can be found within the vast landscapes of Central Asia, specifically in Turkmenistan. Additionally, the species extends its reach into Western Asia, where it is naturally occurring in Iran. These two nations represent the core geographical strongholds for this medicinal species. Consequently, the plant's habitat is closely tied to the unique environmental conditions of these particular territories.

Region Area Source
Central Asia Turkmenistan WCVP
Western Asia Iran WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Ferula gummosa, is highly valued in traditional medicine for the various components harvested from its structure. The most significant medicinal products are derived from the gum and the plant resin, which are collected from the plant's tissues to treat various ailments. Additionally, the root serves as a vital part of the organism, often utilized for its therapeutic properties, while the essential oil extracted from the plant offers potent aromatic and medicinal benefits. Even the seed plays a role in the plant's lifecycle and can be utilized in specific traditional applications.
Total parts
16
Scientific sources
20
Plant Part Sources Confidence
gum 3 ★★☆☆☆
root 2 ★☆☆☆☆
essential oil 2 ★☆☆☆☆
seed 1 ★☆☆☆☆
plant resin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oleo-resin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oleo-gum-resin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oleo resin gum 1 ★☆☆☆☆
galbanum 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruit 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Ferula gummosa has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, galbanum, terpenes.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
galbanum 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Ferula gummosa has 5 reported activities identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antiproliferative.

Total activities
5
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antimicrobial 3 ★★☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiproliferative 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Ferula gummosa has 14 reported medicinal uses identified across 16 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Cervical cancer, Escherichia coli.

Total uses
14
Scientific sources
16

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Enterococcus faecalis 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Staphylococcus aureus 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Candida albicans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cervical cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Escherichia coli 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Streptococcus mitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chorea 1 ★☆☆☆☆
epilepsy 1 ★☆☆☆☆
epileptic seizure 1 ★☆☆☆☆