Devil's Dung

Scientific Name(S): Ferula assafoetida L., F. foetida Regel, F. rubricaulis Boissier and possibly other sp. Family: Umbelliferae

Common Name(S): Asafetida, asafoetida, devil's dung, gum asafetida

Botany: Indigenous to eastern Iran and western Afghanistan, asafetida is the gum resin obtained from the dried roots and rhizomes of this plant. This perennial herb branches up to 9 feet and appears as a soft, almost semiliquid mass of tears, as irregular masses of agglutinated tears or as separate egg-shaped tears. This tearlike part of the plant undergoes a gradual change from a shimmering yellowish white to a violet-streaked pink and finally to reddish brown.

History: The resin has been used as an expectorant, carminative and intestinal spasmodic, and was administered rectally to control colic. A suspension of the product has been used as a repellent against dogs, cats and other wildlife. Its use continues especially within African-American communities. Asafetida has been used for tumors in the abdomen, corns and calluses, as an aphrodisiac, diuretic, sedative and stimulant. In folk remedies, it is used for amenorrhea, asthma, convulsions, croup, insanity and sarcomas. However, its main use is as a fragrance component in perfumes.

With a taste stronger than onion or garlic, the product continues to be available as the gum resin or as a solution. It is found in pharmacies and ethnic and health food stores where it is sold as a food preservative and spice. At very low levels, it is sometimes used in candies, beverages, relishes and sauces.

Uses of Devil's Dung

The gum resin, asafetida, is used as a flavoring, food preservative, and fragrance. It is used as a folk remedy for a wide variety of ills and as an aphrodisiac, diuretic, sedative, and stimulant.

Side Effects of Devil's Dung

It should be considered potentially life threatening to infants, although ingestion has not been associated with severe toxicity in adults. It may cause topical irritation.

Toxicology: The topical use of asafetida may result in skin irritation. Ingestion of the product has not been associated with severe toxicity in adults. However, one report described the case of a 5-week-old child who developed severe methemoglobinemia after being given an undetermined amount of glycerated asafetida solution (a mixture of asafetida, glycerol, propylene glycol and calcium carbonate, available over the counter). In vitro testing found gum asafetida to exert a strong oxidative effect on purified fetal hemoglobin, leading to the recommendation that this folk remedy should be considered potentially life threatening if given to infants.

Summary: Asafetida persists as a folk remedy, especially among the African-American population in the United States. There is no evidence that the material exerts any therapeutic effect, and its use should be discouraged in children because of a potential to induce methemoglobinemia. The resin is used safely in small quantities as a spice.