Soviet Medical Encyclopedia

Asa Foetida

Pharmacology, History of Medicine

Also known as: Asafetida, Devil's Dung

Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.

Summary

Asa Foetida is a gum-resin derived from plants of the Ferula genus, used in medicine as an antispasmodic and sedative that reduces excitability of the central nervous system. The article also describes Azalea, a poisonous plant from the Caucasus region.

Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)

ASA FOETID A (asafoetida), gum-resin from the plant Ferula narthex Boissier and Ferula asa foetida Boissier, family Umbelliferae, growing in Central Asia and Persia. It has the appearance of irregularly shaped pieces (1a-crymae), brownish-yellow on the outside, whitish inside. Its composition includes sulfur-containing essential oil, ferulic acid (C10H10O4), azarezi-tannol (CmH34O6) and vanillin. Used in medicine in doses of 0.1-0.5 per administration in powders, pills, and in the form of tincture (15-50 drops) as an antispasmodic and sedative that reduces excitability of the central nervous system. AZALEA, Azalea (stone bush), from family Ericaceae. In USSR, Azalea pontica L. or Rhododendron flavum Don. Yellow A. (stone bush, drunk brushwood) grows in the Caucasus. Flowers and leaves are poisonous; honey collected by bees from it causes a state of intoxication or strong excitement.

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Cite this page

“Asa Foetida.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/asa-foetida/