DUSHANBE, October 13, 2008, Asia-Plus — President’s decree of September 19, 2008 banning collection and export of ferula (asafoetida) in the territory of Tajikistan is very timely as wild ferula in southern Tajikistan is endangered by disappearance, Mullozuhur Tohiri, Chairman of the Association of Herbal Therapy Specialists of Tajikistan.
According to him, there are 17 species of ferula in Tajikistan and many companies are ready to construct factories for producing medicines from ferula and its resin in Tajikistan. “We should think about cultivation of this plant in the country,” Tohiri said, noting that he had already applied to the Sughd authorities for 20 hectares in the Ayni district for organization of the ferula plantations.
We will recall that on September 19, President Emomali Rahmon signed a decree on banning collection and export of ferula (asafoetida) in the territory of Tajikistan, according to presidential press service. Under this decree the government is to take necessary measures for processing of ferula that has been collected in the country so far and export of it in a form of finished product as well as consider the issue of purchase of the necessary equipment and technologies for establishment of production of the ferula-based medicines as well as expansion of areas under ferula in the appropriate regions. The government, within three months, is also to work out and make amendments on toughening administrative penalties and instituting criminal responsibility for illegal collection of ferula to the administrative and penal codes of the country.
Asafoetida (Ferula assafoetida, family Apiaceae
), alternative spelling asafetida, but also known as devil”s dung, stinking gum, asant, food of the gods and giant fennel, is a species of Ferula native to Iran and Central Asia. It is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 2 m tall, with stout, hollow, somewhat succulent stems 5-8 cm diameter at the base of the plant.
Asafoetida has certain medicinal uses and most commonly is used as a digestive aid. It is reputed to lessen flatulence and is often added to lentil or eggplant dishes in small quantities. It is also said to be helpful in cases of asthma and bronchitis.
