# Hingupatri

> Hingupatri (Ferula spp. (leaf portion of Ferula assa-foetida L. or related Ferula species)) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family. Ferula assa-foetida resin (Hingu) is recognized in WHO selected medicinal plants monographs and multiple pharmacopeias; the leaf (Hingupatri) specifically is referenced primarily in Ayurvedic Nighantus (lexicons).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Ferula spp. (leaf portion of Ferula assa-foetida L. or related Ferula species)
- **Family:** Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Ferula assa-foetida resin (Hingu) is recognized in WHO selected medicinal plants monographs and multiple pharmacopeias; the leaf (Hingupatri) specifically is referenced primarily in Ayurvedic Nighantus (lexicons)

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Hingupatri |
| Latin/Botanical | *Ferula spp. (leaf portion of Ferula assa-foetida L. or related Ferula species)* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Ferulic acid
- [Umbelliferone](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#umbelliferone) ([coumarin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarin))
- Asaresinotannols A and B (resin fraction)
- Organosulfides (diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide)
- Volatile essential oils (10-17%)
- Sesquiterpene [coumarins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarins)

## How does it work?

- [Antispasmodic](/glossary/pharmacology/#antispasmodic) activity through calcium channel blockade and smooth muscle relaxation in gastrointestinal tract
- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) action via organosulfide-mediated disruption of microbial cell membranes
- Cancer chemopreventive effects through ferulic acid-mediated inhibition of NF-kB and modulation of detoxification [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes)
- Hypotensive effect via vasodilation mediated by sesquiterpene coumarins

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Digestive and carminative (Deepana, Anulomana) - validated through confirmed antispasmodic and carminative properties
- Anti-epileptic and nervine (Apasmara-hara) - partially supported by CNS-active sesquiterpene compounds
- Anti-infectious and antimicrobial (Krimighna) - confirmed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of organosulfides
- Respiratory conditions (Kasa-Shvasa) - validated [expectorant](/reference/expectorant/) and bronchodilatory effects

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Mahendra P, Bisht S 2012. [Ferula asafoetida: Traditional uses and pharmacological activity](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23055640/). *Pharmacognosy reviews*. PMID [23055640](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23055640/) · [doi:10.4103/0973-7847.99948](https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.99948)  
  Confirmed antispasmodic, expectorant, antiviral, and antifungal properties validating traditional Ayurvedic use as digestive, respiratory, and anti-infectious agent.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- The leaf (Hingupatri) is generally milder than the resin ([Hingu](/herb/hingu/)); however, it shares organosulfide compounds that may cause gastrointestinal irritation in sensitive individuals
- Not recommended during pregnancy (traditional emmenagogue); may interact with anticoagulant medications; excessive use may cause methemoglobinemia in rare cases

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Umbelliferone
- Coumarin
- Coumarins
- Ferulic acid
- 
- Asaresinotannols A and B 
- Organosulfides 
- Volatile essential oils 
- Sesquiterpene 

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Taila (medicated oil for external use)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3g powder twice daily; 30-60ml decoction

**Bioavailability:** Gardenia gummifera resin exudate contains [terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids) and gum [polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides). Limited modern pharmacokinetic data. Terpenoid components likely have moderate lipophilic absorption. Traditional decoction preparation facilitates extraction of water-soluble constituents. Gum fraction acts as a soluble fiber with prebiotic potential.

**Optimal Timing:** Before or with meals with warm water

**Standardized Extract:** No standardized extract commercially available. Aqueous or hydroalcoholic extract with HPTLC fingerprint for identity.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 2 years (capsule)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C. Gum-resin is hygroscopic; airtight containers with desiccant essential.

**Marker Compounds:** Terpenoids (general TLC profiling), Gum polysaccharides (viscosity-based assay), [Isoflavones](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoflavones) (tentative)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40)
- Gum dissolution in warm water for polysaccharide fraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Hingu](/herb/hingu/) for enhanced carminative effect
- With Chitraka for digestive fire stimulation
- With Sunthi for anti-flatulent action

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/hingupatri/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.