Question

Asafoetida is obtained from which part of Ferula asafetida?
A. Stem
B. Root
C. Leaf
D. Flower

Answer 1

Hint: The rhizome of various species of Ferula produces dried latex which is termed Asafoetida. The Ferula is a perennial herb and is part of the celery family. Asafetida is also known as sticking gum as it has a pungent smell. It is used as a spice that aids in digestive functions.

Complete answer: Asafetida is a famous spice that aids in digestive functions and acts as a taste enhancer. It is also used as preservatives and in pickles. It is obtained from the rhizome or roots of the plant Ferula asafetida. It is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Celery family. The Asafetida is an oleo gum resin extracted from massive taproots of the plant. The roots of this plant are carrot-shaped and flowers in March-April. The upper part of the roots is laid bare and it is cut off from the crown. The exposed structure is covered by a dome-shaped structure made of twigs. The cut surface of the crown exudes a milky juice. The exudates are then scraped off after some days. A fresh slice of root cut for obtaining more latex. The resin is removed with the slice. This process is repeated about 3 months after the first cut. Successive incisions are made sometimes to collect resin at the junction of the stem. Asafetida is now being used in modern herbalism. Hysteria, bronchitis, asthma, and whooping cough are some of the abnormalities being treated with asafetida. It is also known to be a blood thinner and helps lowering blood pressure. Thus, it is used widely in food and as a drug.
So, option B is the right answer.

Note: Asafoetida is now grown chiefly in Afghanistan and Iran. It is native to central Asia. It is widely used in Indian medicines and cookery but is not native to India. It finds wide applications in finding novel cures for many neurological disturbances.