Ferula assa-foetida L., an important Central and South Asian traditional spice and medicinal herb: A comprehensive review

Ferula assa-foetida L. is a high-value spice and medicinal herb. It is used as a common condiment in Indian cuisines and essential part of traditional medicine in Ayurveda and Unani system from pre-historic times. It has been used in the drug industry due to its distinctive phytochemistry and pharmacological activity. Besides, this plant has a high potential to diversify sources of farmers’ income and improve their livelihood, especially living in the Himalayan periphery. However, cultivation of this herb is hindered by several challenges such as low germination and plant survival, extended dormancy phase, specific agro-climatic conditions and poor oleo-gum resin extraction methods. Moreover, there are limited studies focused on its reproductive biology and breeding technology, which are the basis of any genetic improvement and variety development programme. Hence, there is an emerging need to develop modern agro-technology and promising high yielding genotypes to promote its large-scale cultivation. This comprehensive review summarizes valuable insights into the historical account, ethnobotany, geographical distribution, agrotechnology, molecular characterization, pharmaceutical uses and world trade in asafoetida.