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Zeitschrift für Phytotherapie 2015; 36(01): 37-43
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1395851
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© Haug Verlag in MVS Medizinverlage Stuttgart GmbH & Co. KG

Asa foetida

Tina Kandziora
,
Matthias F Melzig
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
16 March 2015 (online)

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Zusammenfassung

Asa foetida ist der getrocknete Milchsaft aus dem Rhizom verschiedener Ferula-­Arten, die v. a. in Nordafrika und Asien ­beheimatet sind. Seit dem Altertum wurde die Droge in orientalischen Ländern als Heilmittel und Gewürz geschätzt, in Deutschland ist sie seit dem Mittelalter ­bekannt. Ein charakteristisches Inhalts­stoffspektrum aus Sesquiterpencumari­nen, ­Ferulasäureestern, Diterpenen und schwefelhaltigen Lauchölen ist die Basis für ­vielfältige traditionelle therapeutische ­Anwendungen bei Erkrankungen des ­Ver­dauungstraktes und der oberen Luft­wege. Neuere pharmakologische Untersuchungen deuten auf entzündungshem­mende, antidiabetische und antibakterielle Wirkungen hin. Eine umfassende toxiko­logische Bewertung fehlt noch.

Summary

Asafoetida

Asafoetida or asafetida (syn. food of the gods, stinking gum, devil’s dung) is the dried latex prepared from the rhizome of several Ferula species occurring in Asia and North Africa. The drug is used as herbal remedy or spice especially in oriental countries since ancient times. In Germany the drug is known in mediaeval times. The spectrum of ingredients is characterized by a complex mixture of sesquiterpene coumarins, diterpenes, esters of ferulic acid and sulfur-containing organic compounds. The drug is traditionally used for the treatment of diseases of the digestive and respiratory tract. New pharmacological investigations indicate possible anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-bacterial effects. Until today there is no comprehensive toxicological assessment available because of missing data.

Schlüsselwörter

Asa foetida - Ferula-Arten - Apiaceae - traditionelle Anwendung - Geschichte - Pharmakologie - Phytochemie

Keywords

Asafoetida - Ferula species - Apiaceae - traditionally use - history - pharmacology - phytochemistry
 

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