The Role of Ferula asafoetida in Neurological, Antidiabetic and Gastrointestinal Therapies: Unani Perspective

Objective: To provide a comprehensive overview of Hilteet, including its traditional uses, botanical characteristics, chemical composition, pharmacological activities, and potential areas for future research. Data sources: A review of literature on Ferula asafoetida was done based on bibliographic database viz. Science Direct, Scopus, Pub Med, and Google Scholar. Important informative data were also collected from classical and conventional textbooks, journals and resale. Background: Ferula asafoetida Regal (Hilteet) is an oleo-gum-resin obtained from the rhizomes and roots of Ferula asafoetida Regel Syn., Ferula narthex Boiss, and other species of Ferula from the Umbelliferae family. It has a long history of medicinal use, first documented by Theophrastus and Dioscorides, and is frequently employed in Unani medicine. Traditionally widely used in Unani medicine for various ailments. Razi recommended its application in paralysis and developed "Majoon-e-Hilteet," which has been demonstrated as a nervine stimulant. Botanically it belongs to Umbelliferae family, Derived from specific species of the Ferula genus. Chemically it is composed of some bioactive compounds responsible for its medicinal properties. Pharmacologically it Exhibits nervine stimulant effects and other therapeutic activities, as supported by existing literature. Conclusion and Future Directions: The review highlights the traditional significance and pharmacological potential of Hilteet while identifying opportunities for further research to advance herbal medicine. Keywords: Ferula Asafoetida; ethnopharmacology; gastrointestinal; neurological; traditional medicine