Some physicochemical and phytochemical characteristics of Iranian <i>Ferula assa-foetida</i> L. oleo-gum resin

Ferula assa-foetida is an endemic medicinal plant of Iran. Its oleo-gum resin or assafoetida gum (AG) is an important herbal product whose standardization is important to ensure effectiveness and safety.

Due to the lack of accurate and complete data about Iranian AG, the objective of this study is to extend the available knowledge by reporting some physicochemical and phytochemical properties of an Iranian AG sample.

Organoleptic properties were determined by sensory evaluation. Total ash, acid-insoluble ash, dry residue as well as total phenolic and flavonoid content were measured by accepted methods to determine some physicochemical and phytochemical properties of AG. Analysis of its essential oil by GC/MS as well as microbial load assessment were performed.

The AG was a yellowish brown mass with a sulfur-like pungent odor similar to garlic, with total ash and acid-insoluble ash of 2.83 % and 2.06 %, respectively, and a dry residue of 3.43 %. Total phenol content was 4.15 ± 0.26 mg gallic acid equivalent/g in dry AG. (E)-1-Propenyl sec-butyl disulphide, (Z)-1-propenyl sec-butyl disulphide, and 2,4-thiazelidinedione were the major essential oil component of this oleo-gum resin. Microbial load was in acceptable range according to Pharmacopeia.

The current findings provide data on some of the physicochemical and phytochemical properties of Iranian AG which is applicable for completing current knowledge. Although more information is needed for establishing Iranian AG standardization criteria, which will be obtained from more extensive researches.