Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Genetic Resources and Breeding Approaches for Improvement of Ferula assa-foetida (Heeng)

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Genetics and Genomics of High-Altitude Crops

  • 39 Accesses

Abstract

Ferula assa-foetida L. is a perennial and monoecious herb belonging to Apiaceae/Umbelliferae family. This species is grown wild in Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, whereas efforts are being made to grow it in high altitude regions of India since 2020. In addition, numerous phytochemistry and pharmacological research have investigated a number of bioactive substances and their respective uses in its essential oil during the past two decades, increasing its demand. The oleo-gum resin of this species has various carminative properties because of some chemical components that are (E)-1-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide, β-pinene, (Z)-1-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide, α-pinene, thiophene, and thiourea, as well as used as a condiment in kitchens all around the world. Several molecular markers (SCoT, RAPD, ISSR, SSR, and URP) were used for analyzing the considerable genotypic variability, whereas GCMS/HPLC was used for phytochemical diversity in this species. The F. assa-foetida species is losing diversity because of continuous and ruthless root harvesting in natural habitats, so, in vitro tissue culture approaches for mass multiplication and organized cultivation should be focused in this species. Therefore, for its sustainable consumption, cultivation, and genetic enhancement, this plant requires substantial research on its genetic resources and development of agrotechnologies. The information provided here may facilitate future breeding programmes that will manage and improve this species.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abd El-Razek MH, Ohta S, Ahmed AA, Hirata T (2001) Sesquiterpene coumarins from the roots of Ferula Assa-foetida. Phytochemistry 58:1289–1295. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(01)00324-7

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Abdi N (2008) Evalution of red plant biodiversity in Markazi Province. Iran J Rangelands For Plant Breed Genet Res 16:50–74

    Google Scholar 

  • Abu-Zaiton AS (2010) Anti-diabetic activity of ferula assafoetida extract in Normal and Alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Pakistan J Biol Sci 13:97–100

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmadi F, Shokoohinia Y, Javaheri S, Azizian H (2017) Proposed binding mechanism of galbanic acid extracted from ferula Assa–foetida to DNA. J Photochem Photobiol B Biol 166:63–73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2016.11.011

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Akbarian A, Rahimmalek M, Sabzalian MR, Hodaei M (2021) Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (pal) and chalcone synthase (chs) genes in some Iranian endemic species of Apiaceae. Sci Direct, Gene Reports 23:101147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101147

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Amalraj A, Gopi S (2017) Biological activities and medicinal properties of Asafoetida: a review. J Tradit Complement Med 7:347–359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.11.004

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Amini H, Naghavi MR, Shen T et al (2019) Tissue-specific transcriptome analysis reveals candidate genes for terpenoid and phenylpropanoid metabolism in the medicinal plant ferula assafoetida. G3 Genes Genom Genet 9:807–816. https://doi.org/10.1534/g3.118.200852

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bahrami G, Soltani R, Sajjadi S-E et al (2013) Essential oil composition of ferula Assa-Foetida L. fruits from Western Iran. J Reports Pharm Sci 2:90–97. https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1998.9701010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bamoniri A, Mazoochi A (2009) Determination of bioactive and fragrant molecules from leaves and fruits of Ferula Assa-foetida L. growing in Central Iran by nano scale injection. Dig J Nanomater Biostruct 4:323–328

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans WC (2009) 16th edition Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy. Elsevier, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Fatehi M, Farifteh F, Fatehi-Hassanabad Z (2004) Antispasmodic and hypotensive effects of ferula asafoetida gum extract. J Ethnopharmacol 91:321–324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2004.01.002

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gholami BA, Faravani M (2014) Effects of different cutting methods and times of cutting on growth performance and gum resin production of ferula Assa-foetida. J Agric Sci 59:35–44. https://doi.org/10.2298/jas1401035g

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haghi H, Khederzadeh S, Samiei M et al (2017) Genetic comparison of Iranian asafetida (Ferula assa-foetida L.) populations based on cpDNA ribosomal protein L16 intron. Int J Agric Innov Res 5:2319–1473

    Google Scholar 

  • Hassanabadi M, Ebrahimi M, Farajpour M, Dejahang A (2019) Variation in essential oil components among Iranian Ferula assa-foetida L. accessions. Ind Crops Prod 140:111598. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2019.111598

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hassani B, Saboora A, Radjabian T, Husseini HF (2008) Somatic embryogenesis of Ferula assa-foetida. J Sci (University Tehran) 33:15–23

    Google Scholar 

  • Iranshahy M, Iranshahi M (2011) Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of asafoetida (Ferula Assa-foetida oleo-gum-resin)—a review. J Ethnopharmacol 134:1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2010.11.067

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jafari SH, Sepehry A, Soltanloo H, Karimian AA (2019) Genetic differentiation between bitter and sweet asafetida plants using ISSR markers. Mol Biol Rep 46:1069–1078. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-018-4565-1

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Karimi A (2022) Environmental metabolomics approaches to identify and enhance secondary compounds in medicinal plants for bio-based plant protection. Refubium - Freie Univ Berlin Repos

    Google Scholar 

  • Karimi A, Krahmer A, Herwig N et al (2020) Metabolomics approaches for analyzing effects of geographic and environmental factors on the variation of root essential oils of Ferula Assa-foetida L. J Agric Food Chem 68:9940–9952. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.0c03681

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Karimian V, Sepehry A, Barani H et al (2020) Productivity, essential oil variability and antioxidant activity of Ferula assa-foetida L. oleo-gum-resin during the plant exploitation period. J Essent Oil Res 32:545–555. https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.2020.1794988

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Karizi ARZ (2008) The effect of hormones and various explant on ferula assa foetida L. in vitro. Masters thesis, Univ Zabol

    Google Scholar 

  • Keyghobadi N, Bagheri V, Rahnamaii MS, Sarab GA (2022) Evaluation of hydroalcoholic extract effects of Ferula Assa-foetida on expression change of EMT and CD44-related genes in gastric cancer stem cell. Gene Rep 27:101535. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101535

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Khajeh M, Yamini Y, Bahramifar N et al (2005) Comparison of essential oils compositions of Ferula assa-foetida obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction and hydrodistillation methods. Food Chem 91:639–644. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2004.06.033

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mahendra P, Bisht S (2012) Ferula asafoetida: traditional uses and pharmacological activity. Pharmacogn Rev 6:141–146. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.99948

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Moghaddam M, Farhadi N (2015) Influence of environmental and genetic factors on resin yield, essential oil content and chemical composition of Ferula Assa-foetida L. populations. J Appl Res Med Aromat Plants 2:69–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jarmap.2015.04.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mozaffarian V (1996) A dictionary of Iranian plant names. Farhang-e Moaser, Tehran, pp 228–230

    Google Scholar 

  • Nasir E (1972) Apium in E. Nasir & SI Ali Flora of West Pakistan. Pakistan Agric Res Counc 20:32–34

    Google Scholar 

  • Otroshy M, Roozbeh S (2015) Optimization of somatic embryogenesis in Ferula assa-foetida L. (a rare medicinal plant). Annu Res Rev Biol 5:439–448. https://doi.org/10.9734/arrb/2015/12110

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Otroshy M, Edrisi S, Enteshary S (2013) Propagation of medicinal plant ferula assa foetida L. through indirect somatic embryogenesis. Int J Med Plant Res 2:179–186

    Google Scholar 

  • Parvandi M, Rezadoost H, Farzaneh M (2021) Introducing Alternaria tenuissima SBUp1, as an endophytic fungus of Ferula assa-foetida from Iran, which is a rich source of rosmarinic acid. Lett Appl Microbiol 73:569–578. https://doi.org/10.1111/lam.13542

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Poczai P, Varga I, Laos M et al (2013) Advances in plant gene-targeted and functional markers: a review. Plant Methods 9:1–31. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4811-9-6

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rahimmalek M, Bahreininejad B, Khorrami M, Sayed Tabatabaei BE (2009) Genetic variability and geographic differentiation in thymus daenensis subsp. daenensis, an endangered medicinal plant, as revealed by inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Biochem Genet 47:831–842. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10528-009-9281-z

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rahman MU, Gul S, Odhano EA (2008) Antimicrobial activities of ferula assafoetida oil against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Am J Agric Environ Sci 4:203–206

    Google Scholar 

  • Roozbeh S, Otroshy M (2014) Improvement germination and conversion of somatic embryos and production of normal plantlets in Ferula assa-foetida L. (a rare medicinal plant). Eur J Med Plants 4:1447–1461. https://doi.org/10.2989/10220110509485863

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roozbeh S, Otroshy M, Bozorgipoor R, et al. (2012) Micropropagation of Ferula assa-foetida L. (a medicinal plant) via direct somatic embryogenesis. In: International symposium on medicinal and aromatic plants IMAPS2010 and history of Mayan Ethnopharmacology IMAPS2011. pp 143–152

    Google Scholar 

  • Rowshandel L, Bahmanzadegan A, Zareiyan F, Rowshan V (2018) Essential oil composition, phenolic and total phenolic contents and antioxidant activity from aerial parts and oleo-gum-resin of ferula assa foetida L. In: 7th National Congress on medicinal plants, Shiraz, Iran. p 10

    Google Scholar 

  • Sadeghi R, Omidi M, Azizinezhad R et al (2021a) Evaluation of structure and genetic diversity of wild populations of Ferula assa-foetida L. medicinal plant using ISSR molecular marker. Mod Genet Journal, Iran Soc Genet 16:309–319

    Google Scholar 

  • Sadeghi R, Omidi M, Azizinezhad R et al (2021b) Universal Rice primer (URP) and start codon target (SCoT) markers in studying population structures and genetic variation in ferula assa foetida L. Accessions Res Sq:1–26

    Google Scholar 

  • Sahranavard S, Ghafari S, Mosaddegh M (2014) Medicinal plants used in Iranian traditional medicine to treat epilepsy. Seizure 23:328–332. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2014.01.013

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Salehi M, Naghavi MR, Bahmankar M (2019) A review of ferula species: biochemical characteristics, pharmaceutical and industrial applications, and suggestions for biotechnologists. Ind Crop Prod 139:111511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2019.111511

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sarhadipour S, Naghavi MR, Baghizadeh A, Hasani D (2015) Genetic diversity of Ferula assa-foetida L. germplasms using rapd analysis in southeast of Iran. Sci Inf Database 4:72–82

    Google Scholar 

  • Tajbakht P, Talebi M, Rahimmalek M (2018) Genetic diversity among and within ferula asafoetida H. Karst. Populations using molecular and phytochemical markers. Phytochemistry 155:19–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2018.07.004

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Upadhyay PK, Singh S, Agrawal G, Vishwakarma VK (2017) Pharmacological activities and therapeutic uses of resins obtained from ferula asafoetida Linn.: a review. Int J Green Pharm 11:S240–S247

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang XJ, Luo Q, Li T et al (2022) Origin, evolution, breeding, and omics of Apiaceae: a family of vegetables and medicinal plants. Hortic Res 9:uhac076. https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhac076

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Zare AR, Solouki M, Omidi M et al (2010) Callus induction and plant regeneration in ferula Assa Foetida L. (asafetida), an endangered medicinal plant. Trakia J Sci 8:11–18

    Google Scholar 

  • Zare AR, Omidi M, Fallah Hoseini H et al (2011) A review on pharmacological effects of ferula assa - Foetida L.: a systematic review. J Med Plants 10:178424

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Agrotechnology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India

    Niketa Yadav, Satbeer Singh, Ramesh Chauhan, Sanatsujat Singh & Ashok Kumar

Authors
  1. Niketa Yadav
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Satbeer Singh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ramesh Chauhan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Sanatsujat Singh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Ashok Kumar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ashok Kumar .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University Centre for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India

    Vijay Gahlaut

  2. Biotechnology Division, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India

    Vandana Jaiswal

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2024 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Yadav, N., Singh, S., Chauhan, R., Singh, S., Kumar, A. (2024). Genetic Resources and Breeding Approaches for Improvement of Ferula assa-foetida (Heeng). In: Gahlaut, V., Jaiswal, V. (eds) Genetics and Genomics of High-Altitude Crops. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-9175-4_8

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation