Asafoetida, God’s Food, a Natural Medicine

Introduction: Asafoetida is dried latex which is extracted from the taproot of many species of Ferula, a perennial herb native to the East Mediterranean and Central Asian regions. It is also a common ingredient in some cuisines. Methods: A literature search was conducted in Science Direct, Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, Springer and Medline. Results: The most important health benefits consist of reducing bloating, helping to relieve asthma, lower blood pressure and menstrual pain, as well as treating headaches, insect bites, indigestion and as a laxative. It is good for diabetic people, treats nerve disorders, helps fight free radicals, aids in reducing acne, treats corns and calluses and reduces hair loss. Conclusion: This review article allowed verifying asafoetida as sources of compounds with valuable nutritional and bioactive properties with great ability for incorporation into foods with functional properties.