Asafoetida (Asafetida, Asant, Devil's dung, Ferula assafoetida, food of the Gods, stinking gum)

Suggested dosing of Asafetida, Asant (asafoetida)

Follow Mfr's instructions

Extract: 0.5-1 mL PO TId

 

Suggested uses of Asafetida, Asant (asafoetida)

GI problems (flatulence, dyspepsia), bronchitis, other respiratory problems, cancer, influenza

Efficacy: animal studies only

 

Asafetida, Asant (asafoetida) adverse (side) effects

Frequency not defined

GI problems (eg, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting) (rare)

Bleeding (rare)

Swelling of lips (rare)

Convulsions (rare)

Headache (rare)

 

Warnings

Contraindications

Pregnancy (may be abortifacient), bleeding disorder, epilepsy, blood pressure problems

Infant colic

 

Cautions

May cause GI upset

Contains coumarin-like substances, may incr risk of bleeding if given with anticoagulants

 

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: N/A avoid

Lactation: N/A

 

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

 

Pharmacology of Asafetida, Asant (asafoetida)

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

 

Mechanism of action

Unclear; may contain antimicrobials that help reduce flatulence