Asafoetida (Asafetida, Asant, Devil's dung, Ferula assafoetida, food of the Gods, stinking gum)
Classes: Gastrointestinal, Herbals; Pulmonary, Herbals
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