Hingupatri
Ferula spp. (leaf portion of Ferula assa-foetida L. or related Ferula species)
Hingupatri (Ferula spp. (leaf portion of Ferula assa-foetida L. or related Ferula species)) is a plant drug, 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).
| 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) |
The evidence at a glance
12papers on this site for this drug, published 1995 to 2024, 11 with a DOI.
- 3Other clinical studies and reviews
- 9Laboratory and animal studies
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Everything listed here is laboratory or animal work, which does not show an effect in people. Each paper is listed with what it measured on the page below. See the research index for how papers are tiered.
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 (coumarin)
- Asaresinotannols A and B (resin fraction)
- Organosulfides (diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide)
- Volatile essential oils (10-17%)
- Sesquiterpene coumarins
How does it work?
- Antispasmodic activity through calcium channel blockade and smooth muscle relaxation in gastrointestinal tract
- Antimicrobial action via organosulfide-mediated disruption of microbial cell membranes
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Digestive and carminative (Deepana, Anulomana): traditionally used as a digestive and carminative. Studies have reported antispasmodic and carminative properties.
- Anti-epileptic and nervine (Apasmara-hara): traditionally used for epilepsy and as a nervine. The plant has been reported to contain CNS-active sesquiterpene compounds.
- Anti-infectious and antimicrobial (Krimighna): traditionally used as an anti-infectious agent. Studies have reported broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of its organosulfides.
- Respiratory conditions (Kasa-Shvasa): traditionally used for respiratory conditions. Studies have reported expectorant and bronchodilatory effects.
What do recent studies show?
- Mahendra P, Bisht S 2012. Ferula asafoetida: Traditional uses and pharmacological activity. Pharmacognosy reviews. PMID 23055640 · doi:10.4103/0973-7847.99948
Traditionally used in Ayurveda as a digestive, respiratory, and anti-infectious agent. Studies have reported antispasmodic, expectorant, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. 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); 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
- Coumarins
- Ferulic acid
- Asaresinotannols A and B
- Organosulfides
- Volatile essential oils
- Sesquiterpene coumarins
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
Optimal Timing: Before or with meals with warm water
Storage: Cool, dry place below 25°C.
Marker Compounds: Umbelliferone, Ferulic acid, Organosulfides
Synergistic Combinations
- With Hingu for enhanced carminative effect
- With Chitraka for digestive fire stimulation
- With Sunthi for anti-flatulent action
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Other clinical studies and reviews3
- 2024. A comprehensive review of the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying gum and resin synthesis in Ferula speciesInternational journal of biological macromolecules. PMID 38729496 · doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132168
- 2021. Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and immunomodulatory activities of the genus Ferula and their constituents: A reviewIranian journal of basic medical sciences. PMID 35432802 · doi:10.22038/IJBMS.2021.59473.13204
- 2020. Pharmacological and Therapeutic Aspects of Plants from the Genus Ferula: A Comprehensive ReviewMini reviews in medicinal chemistry. PMID 32368975 · doi:10.2174/1389557520666200505125618
Laboratory and animal studies9
- 2024. Culture-based diversity of endophytic fungi of three species of Ferula grown in IranFrontiers in microbiology. PMID 38846573 · doi:10.3389/fmicb.2024.1363158
- 2024. Multi-Omics Revealed Regulatory Mechanisms Underlying the Flowering of Ferula sinkiangensis across Three DimensionsGenes. PMID 39457399 · doi:10.3390/genes15101275
- 2021. Osteogenic induction of menstrual blood mesenchymal stem cell by different Ferula species extractsAvicenna journal of phytomedicine. PMID 34046324
- 2020. Studies on effects of umbelliferon derivatives against periodontal bacteria; antibiofilm, inhibition of quorum sensing and molecular docking analysisMicrobial pathogenesis. PMID 32304793 · doi:10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104184
- 2018. Bacterial diversity and community structure in the rhizosphere of four Ferula speciesScientific reports. PMID 29593299 · doi:10.1038/s41598-018-22802-y
- 2018. Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils from Ferula L. Species against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureusMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 29996498 · doi:10.3390/molecules23071679
- 2016. Culturable endophytic bacteria associated with medicinal plant Ferula songorica: molecular phylogeny, distribution and screening for industrially important traits3 Biotech. PMID 28330280 · doi:10.1007/s13205-016-0522-7
- 2012. Ferula asafoetida: Traditional uses and pharmacological activityPharmacognosy reviews. PMID 23055640 · doi:10.4103/0973-7847.99948
- 1995. Modulation of lipid peroxidation by dietary componentsToxicology in vitro : an international journal published in association with BIBRA. PMID 20650083 · doi:10.1016/0887-2333(95)00005-s
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.