HING (Ferula foetida Regel): A potent Unani Herb with its descriptive parameters of pharmacognosy and pharmacology: A Review

Abstract

Hing (Family- Umbelliferae) or asafoetida is the latex obtained from living rootstocks or taproots of several species of Ferula, e.g. F. alliacea Boiss, F. rubricaulis Boiss, F. assafoetida Linn and F. narthex Boiss found in central Asia. Asafoetida occurs in three forms, viz Tears, Mass and Paste. Hing has shown diverse biological and pharmacological activities. It has been used in Unani Medicine (Tibb-e-Unani) and other Traditional Systems of Medicine from time immemorial and it is described as diuretic, anti-diabetic, emmenagogue etc. The present review highlights the botanical description, traditional uses, pharmacognositcal features, pharmacological properties and pharmacological studies conducted on this Medicinal plant used in Unani system of medicine. Keywords: Hing; Ferula foetida; Unani Medicine; Traditional Uses; Pharmacological Properties