Title: Asafetida
CAS Registry Number: 9000-04-8
Synonyms: Devil's dung; food of the gods; asafoetida; asant
Literature References: Gum-resin obtained as an exudation of the decapitated rhizome and roots of
Ferula assafoetida L.,
F. foetida Regel and some other species of
Ferula, Umbelliferae. Habit. Iran, Turkestan, Afghanistan.
Constit. 6-17% ethereal oil; 40-60% resin, consisting of ester of asaresinotannol and ferulic acid; pinene, vanillin, about 25% gum. Three sulfur-containing compounds isolated from asafetida resin are:
1-methylpropyl 1-propenyl disulfide,
1-(methylthio)propyl 1-propenyl disulfide and
1-methylpropyl 3-(methylthio)-2-propenyl disulfide; the latter two have pesticidal properties. Studies of various constituents: Bézanger-Beauquesne, Chosson,
Ann. Pharm. Fr. 16, 665 (1958); Caglioti
et al., Helv. Chim. Acta 41, 2278 (1958);
42, 2557 (1959). Isoln and structure elucidation of three sulfur-containing components: H. Naimie
et al., Collect. Czech. Chem. Commun. 37, 1166 (1972). Synthesis and configuration of sulfur-containing constituents: J. Meijer, P. Vermeer,
Rec. Trav. Chim. 93, 242 (1974); A. Kjac
et al., Acta Chem. Scand. B 30, 137 (1976).
Review: Howes,
Econ. Bot. 4, 313 (1950); Subrahmanyam
et al., J. Sci. Ind. Res. 13A, 382-386 (1954).
Properties: Soft mass or irregular lumps or "tears"; garlic-like odor; bitter acrid taste. When triturated with water, it makes a milky emulsion.
Use: In India, Iran, etc., as condiment and flavoring for foods; an ingredient in Worcestershire sauce. A 2% suspension as repellent against dogs, cats, rabbits, deer.
Therap-Cat: Carminative; expectorant.
Therap-Cat-Vet: Has been used as a carminative, and externally to prevent bandage chewing by dogs.
