Antioxidant and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Potential of Aqueous Extract of Ferula Asafoetida

Background: Ferula asafoetida is a dried latex that is exuded from rhizome or taproot species. Organosulfides are primarily responsible for flavour and odour of asafoetida.Ferula asafoetida is a natural medicine good for asthma and bronchitis. is also used to relieve stomach gas, digestive issues. It is usually added while cooking to hormonise the sweet, sour, salty, spicy taste of the food. Increased activity of xanthine oxidase is involved in the medical condition known as gout, which is characterized by hyperuricemia that leads to deposition of uric acid in the joints resulting in painful inflammation.

Aim: To analyse the anti-oxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory potential of aqueous extract of Ferula asafoetida.

Materials and Methods: Preparation of the aqueous seed extract of Ferula asafoetida done by hot percolation method. Phytochemical screening, in vitro antioxidant activity and xanthine oxidase inhibitory potential was done by standard procedures. The data were analyzed statistically by a one - way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s multiple range test was used to see the statistical significance among the groups. The results with the p<0.05 level were considered to be statistically significant.

Results: The phytochemical screening revealed that the extract is rich in phytoconstituents. DPPH radical scavenging activity established the potent in vitro antioxidant activity (p<0.05) of Ferula asafoetida extract. The extract was also efficient in inhibiting the activity of xanthine oxidase enzyme (p<0.05) in a concentration dependent manner.

Discussion: The extract has potent antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory potential, although the activities are less compared to the standard drug.

Conclusion: The Ferula asafoetida extract can be used to treat gout and to combat various other disorders associated with xanthine oxidase activity.