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 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).
| 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 (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
- Cancer chemopreventive effects through ferulic acid-mediated inhibition of NF-kB and modulation of detoxification 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 and bronchodilatory effects
What do recent clinical trials show?
- Mahendra P, Bisht S 2012. Ferula asafoetida: Traditional uses and pharmacological activity. Pharmacognosy reviews. PMID 23055640 · doi: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); 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 and gum 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 (tentative)
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40)
- Gum dissolution in warm water for polysaccharide fraction
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
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