48 /ASA FOETIDA PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINESHomeopathic Uses: Ferula foetida is used for low acid levels
in the stomach, stomach pressure, flatulence and loose stools.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
General: No health hazards or side effects are known in
conjunction with the proper administration of designated
therapeutic dosages. The intake of larger dosages can lead to
swelling of the lips, digestive complaints (belching, flatu-
lence, diarrhea), discomfort and headache. Convulsions are
possible in susceptible individuals. Swelling of the genital
organs has been observed following external administration
on the abdomen.Pregnancy: Not to be used during pregnancy.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: The drug is available as an extract.
Preparation: Gum-resin is obtained by incising the roots,
which contain a fetid juice. This solidifies to a brown resin,
sometimes with a pinkish tint, in sticky lumps. The final
product has a pungent, acrid, persistent, alliaceous odor.
Daily Dosage: Tincture: 20 drops as a single dose.Homeopathic Dosage: D3 and D4 dilutions.
LITERATURE
Buddrus J et al., (1985) Phytochemistry 24(4):869.
Kern W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der
Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 4. Aufl., Bde 1-8, Springer Verlag
Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.
Lewin L, Gifte und Vergiftungen, 6. Aufl., Nachdruck, Haug
Verlag, Heidelberg 1992.
Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.
Naimie H et al., (1972) Collect Czec Chem Commun 37:1166.
Rajanikanth B et al., (1984) Phytochemistry 23(4):899.
Roth L, Daunderer M, Konr.ann K, Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte,- Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
Asarum
Asarum europaeum
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The primary medicinal part is the root of
the plant. However, the leaves have been used to a lesser
extent.
Flower and Fruit: The end of the stem forms a short-
pedicled, slightly hanging flower. The perigone forms a
campanulate tube with a 3 to 4 lobed margin. It is brownish
on the outside, dark and purple on the inside. There are 2
groups of 6 stamens on the ovaries, which are fused with the
tube and are flattened above. The style is thick, short and not
hollow; the stigma is 6-rayed. The fruit is a many-seeded,
indehiscent capsule divided into many chambers by false
membranes. In each capsule there are numerous boat-shaped
seeds with a spongy appendage.Leaves, Stem and Root: Asarum europaeum is a shaggy-
haired perennial growing 4 to 10 cm high. It has a thin,
creeping rhizome that is branched and usually has 3 to 4
scale-like, brownish-green stipules. It has an ascending
short-scaled stem, with the terminal flower at the tip. There
are 2 to 4 long-petioled, almost opposite, broad, reniform
leaves. They are entire-margined, coriaceous, dark-green
glossy above, pale and matte beneath, deeply reticulate and
evergreen.Characteristics: The rhizome has a pepper-like smell; the
leaves and flowers have an unpleasant camphor smell.
Asarum europaeum is a protected species.
Habitat: The plant is indigenous to the northern parts of
southern Europe, central and east-central Europe as far as the
Crimea and eastward into western Siberia as well as an
enclave in the Atai. Asarum is cultivated in the U.S.
Production: Asarum root is the root of Asarum europaeum,
which is gathered in August and air-dried in the shade.
Asarum is primarily collected in the wild, but is cultivated in
the U.S.
Not to be Confused With: Can be confused with other
valerian types and with Arnica montana, Genum urbanum,
Valeriana officinalis and Viola ordorata. The mistaken
powder can be identified by the presence of fibers, stone
cells, oxalate filament agglomerations and the absence of
starch.
Other Names: Asarabacca, Coltsfoot, False Coltsfoot, Fole's
Foot, Hazelwort, Public House Plant, Snakeroot, Wild
Ginger, Wild Nard
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Volatile oil: composition depends upon breed but possible
constituents include asarone trans-isoasarone, trans-isoeuge-
nol methyl ether, trans-isoelemicin or eudesmol, possibly in
addition to sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, -alcohols, -furans,-
carbonyl compounds
Caffeic acid derivatives: including chlorogenic acid, isochlo-
rogenic acid
Flavonoids
EFFECTS
Asarum acts as an expectorant, bronchial spasmolytic,
superficial relaxant and local anesthetic. Studies of the
plant's emetic action exist for Asari root and herb. However,