• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.143-153
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• 2023

Objective: Men's sexual health plays an important role in male fertility and childbearing, as it is associated with factors such as sexual desire, healthy spermatogenesis, and erectile function. In various cultures, medicinal plants have been utilized to address male sexual issues, including infertility and erectile dysfunction. Despite recent advancements in medical science for treating male impotence, some men opt for herbal supplements as an alternative, given that numerous herbs have the potential to enhance male sexual performance. The Apiaceae family is one of the oldest plant families used for medicinal purposes. Ferula, a genus within this family, comprises approximately 170 different species worldwide. Members of this genus possess numerous therapeutic properties due to the presence of various compounds. This article aims to explore the potential impacts of Ferula plants on the male reproductive system. Methods: This review article was prepared by searching for terms including Ferula and "aphrodisiac," Ferula and "spermatogenesis," and Ferula and "male reproductive system." Relevant information was gathered through electronic databases, including ISI Web of Knowledge, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Results: The findings indicated that relatively comprehensive studies have been conducted in this area, revealing that certain Ferula species have been employed in folk medicine to boost fertility and libido. Recent research has corroborated these effects. Conclusion: It is hoped that new aphrodisiac compounds with fewer side effects can be isolated from Ferula plants in the future.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.1 s.31
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• pp.111-131
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• 1996

For the development of antimetastatic agent 41 kinds of crude drugs were used for the evaluation of inhibitory effect of several crude drugs on cell adhesion of pulmonary cancer cells and platelet aggregation. Results were obtained as follows: 1. Water extracts of crude drugs inhibited cell adhesion of A549 to complex extracelluar matrix over 40 % of contol were Houttuyniae Herba, Mylabris, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Meliae Cortex, Ferula Resina, Oldenlandiae diffusae Herba at the higher concentration of $10^{-3}g／ml$ while those inhibiting cell adhesion of Bl6-Fo over 40 % of control were $10^{-5}g／ml$ of Houttuyniae Herba, Aurantii Fructus, Lithospermi Radix, Zedoariae Rhizoma. Prunellae Spica, Foeniculi Fructus, Rbei Radix, Scutellariae Radix, Meliae Cortex, Ferula Resina and Oldenlandiae diffusae Herba. 2. MeOH extracts of crude drugs at the concentration of $4{\times}10^{-4}g／ml$ inhibiting cell adhesion of A549 specifically to single extracelluar matrix over 40 % of control were Lithospermi Radix, Agrimoniae Herba, Rhei Radix and Ferula Resina to collagen I, Houttuyniae Herba, Lithospermi Radix, Bupleuri Radix, Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix, Orostachys Herba, Sappan Lignum, Meliae cortex ferula Resina and Coicis Semen to collagen Ⅳ, Mylabris, Agrimoniae Herba to laminin, Houttuyniae Herba and Meliae Cortex to fibronectin. 3. NeOH extracts of crude drugs at the concentration of $4{\times}10^{-4}g／ml$ inhibiting cell adhesion of B16-Fo specifically to single extracelluar matrix over 60 % of control were Lithospermi Radix, Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix, Meliae Cortex and Ferula Resina to collagen I, Lithospermi Radix, Bupleun Radix, Saiviae miltiorrhizae Radix, Ferula Resina and Acanthopanacis Cortex to collagen Ⅳ, Bupleuri Radix, Orostachys Herba to laminin, Houttuyniae Herba to fibronectin. 4. MeOH extracts of crude drugs inhibiting platelet aggregation over 40% of ADP control were at the concentration of $50{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Houttuyniae Herba, Angilicae gigantis Radix, Zedoariae Rhizoma. Coicis Semen and $100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Ferula Resina, Orostachys Herba, Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix, Curcumac Radix, Carthami Flos, Lithospermi Radix, Gleditsiae Spina, Sappan Lignum, Acanthopanacis Cortex. These results suggest that several crude drugs including Ferula Resina, Houttuyniae Herba, Lithospermi Radix and Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix chiefly have more possibility to exert antimetastatic activity and require in vivo antimetastatic study.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.2123-2128
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• 2014

A current hurdle in cancer management is the intrinsic or acquired resistance of cancer cells to chemical agents that restricts the efficacy of therapeutic strategies. Accordingly, there is an increasing desire to discover new natural compounds with selective toxicity to combat malignancies. In present study, the cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing activities of ferutinin, a terpenoid derivative from Ferula ovina, were investigated on human breast (MCF7) and bladder (TCC) cancer cells as well as normal fibroblasts (HFF3).The toxicity and DNA damage inducing effects of ferutinin were studied by MTT and comet assays, DAPI and PI staining and DNA laddering. The $IC_{50}$ values of ferutinin were identified and compared with routine prescribed drugs, doxorubicin and vincristine, by MTT test. Alkaline comet assay and DAPI staining revealed DNA damage due to ferutinin, which was significantly (p<0.001) higher in MCF7 and TCC than HFF3 cells. Apoptosis induction was evidenced by PI staining and DNA laddering. Our results suggest that ferutinin could be considered as an effective anticancer agent for future in vivo and clinical experiments.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.1 s.31
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• pp.132-145
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• 1996

Ethyl ether fractions of Ferula Resina(EFR) and Lithospermi Radix(ELR) and hexane fraction of Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix(HSR) exerted an inhibitory effect on cell adhesion of A549 to extracelluar matrix most effectively in vitro cell adhesion assay. Thus, with above fractions for the evaluation of antitumor activity, T／C% was monitored in ICR bearing S-180 and for antimetastatic effect, pulmonary colonization assay, weight of organs, changes of WBC and platelet were studied. In pulmonary colonization assay incidence rate to control was 73 % 42 %, 14 % in ELR, HSR and EFR-treated groups repsectively. Gain of lung weight was significantly inhibited in all groups while spleen weight was significantly reduced only in SMR group, but no changes in kidney and liver as compared with control. Number of platelet was significantly increased in all groups to normal range as compared with thrombocytopenic contol. WBC was significantly reduced only in LR group. These results suggest that ethyl ether fraction of Ferula Resina has more effective antimetastatic activity.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.50-57
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• 2015

Objectives: The usage of medicinal plants as natural antimicrobial agents has grown in many fields including dental medicine. The aim of this in vitro study was three-fold: (i) to determine the chemical compositions of the Ferula gummosa essential oil (FGEO), (ii) to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of the oil with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and chlorhexidine (CHX), (iii) to assess the toxic behavior of FGEO in different concentrations compared to 5% NaOCl and 0.2% CHX. Materials and Methods: Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to determine the chemical compositions of the oil. The disk diffusion method and a broth micro-dilution susceptibility assay were exploited to assess the antimicrobial efficacy against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mitis, and Candida albicans. The cytocompatibility of the FGEO was assessed on L929 fibroblasts, and compared to that of NaOCl and CHX. Results: Twenty-seven constituents were recognized in FGEO. The major component of the oil was ${\beta}$-pinene (51.83%). All three irrigants significantly inhibited the growth of all examined microorganisms compared to the negative control group. FGEO at $50{\mu}g/mL$ was effective in lower concentration against Enterococcus faecalis than 5% NaOCl and 0.2% CHX, and was also more potent than 0.2% CHX against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. FGEO was a cytocompatible solution, and had significantly lower toxicity compared to 5% NaOCl and 0.2% CHX. Conclusions: FGEO showed a promising biological potency as a root canal disinfectant. More investigations are required on the effectiveness of this oil on intracanal bacterial biofilms.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.213-219
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• 2017

Objectives: Based on data from Chinese and Indian traditional herbal medicines, gum resin of Ferula assa-foetida (sometimes referred to asafetida or asafoetida) has several therapeutic applications. The authors of various studies have claimed that asafetida has cytotoxic, antiulcer, anti-neoplasm, anti-cancer, and anti-oxidative effects. In present study, the anti-aging effect of asafetida on senescent human dermal fibroblasts was evaluated. Methods: Senescence was induced in in vitro cultured human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) through exposure to $H_2O_2$, and the incidence of senescence was recognized by using cytochemical staining for the activity of ${\beta}$-galactosidase. Then, treatment with oleo gum resin of asafetida was started to evaluate its rejuvenating effect. The survival rate of fibroblasts was evaluated by using methyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot assays were performed to evaluate the expressions of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic markers. Results: Our experiments show that asafetida in concentrations ranging from $5{\times}10^{-8}$ to $10^{-7}g/mL$ has revitalizing effects on senescent fibroblasts and significantly reduces the ${\beta}$-galactosidase activity in these cells (P < 0.05). Likewise, treatment at these concentrations increases the proliferation rate of normal fibroblasts (P < 0.05). However, at concentrations higher than $5{\times}10^{-7}g/mL$, asafetida is toxic for cells and induces cell death. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that asafetida at low concentrations has a rejuvenating effect on senescent fibroblasts whereas at higher concentrations, it has the opposite effect of facilitating cellular apoptosis and death.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.158-164
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• 2020

Objectives: The aim of the present work was to evaluate the possible beneficial effects of F. latisecta on blood glucose, lipids, and diabetes-related changes in the liver and kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 6): normal control rats, diabetic control rats, diabetic rats treated for 4 weeks with F. latisecta root (400 mg/kg/day), and diabetic rats treated with F. latisecta aerial parts (400 mg/kg/day). Results: Induction of diabetes significantly (p < 0.05) increased the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Diabetes also increased (p < 0.05) oxidative stress in the kidney and liver (decrease of thiol and increase of superoxide dismutase). The root and aerial parts of F. latisecta significantly reduced the level of LDL (p < 0.05) and restored the content of thiol (p < 0.05) and superoxide dismutase (p < 0.01) in the kidney and liver. F. latisecta had no significant effect on the levels of FBG, BUN, AST, and ALT. The root of F. latisecta also reduced the serum level of total cholesterol (p < 0.05) and prevented the progression of hyperglycemia. Conclusion: These findings suggest that F. latisecta may improve diabetic dyslipidemia by reducing serum LDL. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.239-247
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• 2022

Objective: Asafoetida is a gum derived from Ferula assa-foetida, which is used in traditional Iranian medicine to treat some reproductive system disorders. The effects of asafoetida on ovarian tissue, expression of certain genes associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and levels of liver, kidney, and blood cell factors after treatment in a rat model were investigated. Methods: Thirty rats were divided into five groups: normal, polycystic, and treatment with three doses of asafoetida (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg for 3 weeks after PCOS induction). PCOS was induced by letrozole at a dose of 1 mg/kg administered orally for 3 weeks. Blood samples were taken, and the ovaries were removed and prepared for histomorphometric examination. Liver and kidney parameters were measured. The mRNA expression levels of luteinizing hormone receptor, CYP11A1, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, adiponectin, and adiponectin receptors 1 and 2 were also measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: The levels of liver, kidney, and blood parameters did not significantly differ between the treatment groups and the control group. At doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg, ovarian histopathology, especially the thicknesses of the theca and granulosa layers, was significantly improved relative to the PCOS group. The expression of target genes also improved in the 25 and 50 mg/kg treatment groups. Conclusion: Asafoetida can be used to treat PCOS as a complementary approach to conventional therapies. Asafoetida appears to act by regulating and activating metabolic and ovarian cycle enzymes.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.27-36
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• 2009

Pleurotus ferulae is an edible mushroom found on a medicinal plant, Ferula assa-foetida, in centeral China. This study was carried out to investigate the cultural characteristics of P. ferulae strains. Characteristics of mycelial growth were investigated for 5 strains of P. ferulae. All the 5 strains showed the best mycelial growth at $25^{\circ}C$ and their growth rate was very low at $35^{\circ}C$. The colony diameter reached to 45~72 mm after 7 days at $25^{\circ}C$. Malt extract agar medium was the best for mycelial growth of the species both in hyphal length and density. Mycelial growth was not affected by various pH from 6.0 to 8.0. An optimal carbon source was arabinose and an optimal nitrogen one was arginine. And an effective substrate for the mycelial growth was 8 to 2 mixture of oak sawdust and cottonseed meal.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.23-27
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• 2000

The effect of seventy kinds of medicinal plants on the activities of GABA-metabolizing enzymes as glutamate dehydrogenase I (GDH I), glutamate dehydrogenase II (GDH II), GABA transaminase (GABA-T), succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) and succinic semialdehyde reductase (SSAR) were estimated. The following plants extracts from Acori graminei Rhizoma, Longnae Arillus, Gastrodiae Herba, Lycii Fructus, Ligusticum officinale, Ferula assafoetida, Corydalis Tuber, Eucommiae Cortex, Zizyphi spinosi Semen activated the activity of GDH I to more than 35%, and the following ones from Visci Ramulus, Ligusticum officinale, Myristicae Semen, Ferulae Resina, Scolopendrae Corpus, Corydalis Tuber, Eucommiae Cortex, Zizyphi spinosi Semen did that of GDH II. The plant extracts from Cynanchi Radix, Astragali Semen, Angelicae dahuricae Radix, Biotae orientalis Folium, Uncariae Ramulus et Uncus, Polygalae Radix, Cynomorii Herba inhibited that of GABA-T to 35% and over, and the following ones from Hyoscyamus niger, Cynanchi Radix, Acori graminei, Caesalpiniae Lignum, Cannabis Semen, Sedum aizoon, Sedum kamtschaticum, Schisandrae Fructus, Lilii Bulbus, Biotae orientalis Folium, Uncariae Ramulus et Uncus, Myristicae Semen, Akebiae Fructus, Cynomorii Herba, Buddleiae Flos, Mucunae Caulis, Zizyphi Fructus, Paeoniae Radix rubra did that of SSADH to 70% and over; the following ones from, Caesalpiniae Lignum, Sedum kamtschaticum, Schisandrae Fructus, Astragali Semen, Angelicae dahuricae Radix, Dioscorea nipponica, Myristicae Semen, Akebiae Fructus, Cynomorii Herba, Scutellariae Radix did that of SSAR.