Asafoetida (sex stimulant)

An analysis of asafoetida shows it to consist of moisture 16.0 percent, protein 4.0 percent, fat 1.1 percent, minerals 7.0 percent, fibre 4.1 percent and carbohydrates 67.8 percent per 100 grams.  Its minerals and vitamin contents include calcium 690 mg percent, phosphorous 50 mg percent, iron 39.4 mg percent, carotene 4 mg percent, riboflavin 0.04 mg percent and niacin 0.3 mg percent.  Its calorific value is 297.

Asafoetida contains resin 40-64 percent, gum about 25 percent, volatile oil 10-17 percent and ash 1.5-10 percent.  The resin consists cheifly of asaresinotennol, free or combined with ferulic acid.  Umbelliferone seems to be present in the combined state.  The oil of asafoetida is obtained by steam distillation of the gum resin.  The yield of oil varies from 3 to 2 percent.