DUSHANBE, September 22, 2008, Asia-Plus  -- On Saturday September 20, 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''s English and scientific name is derived from the Persian word for resin (asa) and Latin ‘foetida’, which refers to its strong sulfurous odour.   Its pungent odour has resulted in its being called by many unpleasant names; thus in French it is known (among other names) as ‘Merde du Diable’ (Devil''s faeces); in some dialects of English too it was known as Devil''s Dung.

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.