Asafoetida (Hing) Benefits, Dosage, and Side Effects

Formulations prepared from asafoetida along with other medicinal herbs have been found to act as a good hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) agent. In a study, aqueous extract of asafoetida prepared and given to patients with liver-related disorders showed significant recovery by decreasing the activity of certain enzymes that decrease the metabolic functions of the liver. The data obtained from the study also showed that toxicity in the liver caused by carbon tetrachloride was significantly reduced upon administration of a regulated dosage of asafoetida.

Asafoetida has also been found to have potential anti-obesity property. Administered doses of hing in the diet can contribute to weight loss by decreasing abnormal fat and body weight. Hing also significantly aids in digestion and helps in increasing metabolic functions, all factors contributing towards the management of weight. Diabetes-induced obesity can also be reduced by consumption of asafoetida.  

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Hing extract was also found to have tumour reducing property. According to a study conducted, the effect of carcinogens (cancer-causing elements present in the environment) was significantly reduced by the use of asafoetida thus establishing its potential to act against tumours.

The increased antioxidant and drug mobilizing (delivering) properties of asafoetida also contribute towards its anti-carcinogenic activities. Hing can, thus, potentially be a chemopreventive (preventing cancer) herb.

The extract obtained from asafoetida was also found to have hypoglycemic property, i.e. it reduces blood sugar.

Presence of compounds such as phenolic acid and tannin present in the resin extract of hing is believed to contribute towards its anti-diabetic property. The potential of hing to manage diabetes is under research and yet to be established in vivo.

(Read more: Diabetes symptoms)

Hing also acts as a hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) agent when consumed in a dose-dependent manner. In a study, the gum extract of asafoetida was found to prevented hypertension or significantly lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

A major constituent of the herb, ferulic acid was found to have blood pressure lowering capabilities. The acid increases the availability of nitrogen oxide, a vasorelaxant (relaxing tension in blood vessels) produced by the blood cells, thus lowering blood pressure.

Studies have reported that the gum extract of Ferula asafoetida contains antispasmodic (relaxing) properties. Hing has often been recommended for relieving muscle spasms.

Several relaxant compounds are present in the gum extract of asafoetida that react with specific reactors in the brain cells and produce a feeling of relaxation. The compounds also impart mobility to the calcium ions in cells that are required for contraction of the muscle cells.  

Hing has been known to significantly boost memory power and learning capacity. Asafoetida is a powerful antioxidant and has the capability to inhibit the action of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter, the chemical that enables transmission of nerve impulses.

Acetylcholine is required for proper functioning of the memory cells. Asafoetida, thus, increases the memory potential of the brain by functioning to preserve the neurotransmitter. Studies have found that use of hing in anti-dementia therapies can prove to be beneficial.

Traditionally, asafoetida has been used in Iranian medicine as a diuretic, i.e. it increases urination. In a recent study, it was found that monitored use of asafoetida significantly increased urine volume and percentage of sodium and potassium in the urine. Flavonoids and other such bioactive compounds present in the gum extract of asafoetida were found to contribute to its diuretic property.

Compounds in asafoetida extract such as flavonoids are responsible for its anti-oxidizing properties. Antioxidants are responsible for neutralizing the free radicals present in the bloodstream. Free radicals are highly reactive in nature and can cause damage to the internal organs. Under oxidative stress conditions, flavonoids protect the heart. Flavonoids also contribute to several essential biological functions that reduce the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease.

The antimicrobial property of hing can also be employed for the preservation of foods. Certain essential oils extracted from hing act as natural antioxidants. Hing when added to foods, thus, prevents them from oxidising and acts as a preservative.

Additionally, hing can also hinder the growth of unwanted bacteria and fungi. This makes it a most favoured preservative in pickles and packed foods. Hing is used to provide oxidative stability in storing fatty foods and as a good source of antibacterial agent in the food industry.

The benefits of hing as an antimicrobial agent are also well-known. In herbal medicine, asafoetida has been used for treatment against various bacteria and fungi. The essential oils obtained from the gum-resin (latex) of Ferula asafoetida are found to have antimicrobial effects against a wide variety of pathogens as Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Hing is, thus, recommended for medicinal and therapeutic purposes in cases of microbial infection.

Studies have found that consumption of asafoetida increases the flow of salivary and gastric juices. Asafoetida helps to reduce acidity in the stomach by catalysing the activity of enzymes in the stomach that reduce bloating and cause expulsion of gas. Consuming asafoetida​ also increase the flow of pancreatic juices that contribute to digestion.

Patients with gastrointestinal (stomach and gut related) disorders are recommended specific dosages of asafoetida to help keep their acidity in check. The occurrence of gastrointestinal ulcers can also be prevented by monitored usage of hing.

The major benefit of hing is that it aids in the process of digestion. The Ayurvedic text 'Charak Samhita' mentions hing as a herb that improves digestion. Hing is a major ingredient of many churanas (a mixture of powdered herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine), especially those that improve digestion.

Asafoetida helps to get rid of toxins in the stomach and restores its pH (acidic balance) that is necessary to maintain digestion and smooth functioning of the digestive juices. Studies have found that inclusion of prescribed amounts of hing in the regular diet reduces the chances of irritable bowel syndrome (constipation, diarrhoea, stomach cramps).