Ethno-medicinal importance of Curcuma longa and Ferula foetida

Abstract

Spices have long been a part of human diets and commerce. Herbal drugs consist of a number active phytoconstituents with a number of herbal remedies for wide range of diseases. The herbal drugs still constitutes a major share of healthcare remedies in developing countries. The officially recognized systems of health in India such as Ayurveda, Unani and Homeopathic are still been used by about 70% of India’s population. This study reviewed the ethno medicinal potentials, phytochemicals, and pharmacological activities of Curcuma longa and Ferula foetida. Asafoetida is defined as the oleo-resin gum extracted from the stem and rhizome of the Ferula asafetida plant. Ferula foetida commonly known as “Hing” have shown promising therapeutic value due to the presence of various therapeutic phytoconstituents such as terpenoids, sulfide derivatives, volatile oil, phenols and minerals. The main active constituents present in the Ferula asafetida plant are resins, gums and essential oils. The various pharmacological actions such as the antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, antidiabetic and various other activities have been studied. Turmeric is one of the most important spices due to its active biochemical activities. The present review deals with the importance of extensive pharmacological activities of turmeric and hing and their role in the medical industry in
creating novel medicines to treat various diseases.