Effect of Ferula asafoetida Linn. on Paronychia stage I – An applied case study

Background: Asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida) is a common food flavouring agent with many known medicinal properties. The oleo gum resin of Asafoetida stimulates bile secretion and controls the digestion of dietary lipids. Paronychia, which is caused by bacteria and /or fungi, yeast are usually cured with antibiotics (broad-spectrum antibiotics and anti-fungal agents) or local surgical procedures. Objective: The present article is aimed to represent the effectiveness of the gum resin of asafoetida on paronychia stage I. Method: In this report resin gum of Ferula asafoetida was suspended and extracted with aqueous suspension and applied as a concentrated resin gel (linear concentration 1μg/ ml - 8μg/ml) to treat a case of paronychia in stage I in an affected woman of about 45 years' age. The pathological conditions – erythema, oedema, pain and foul smell were detected. The recurrence of the infection was observed. Result: Asafoetida resin gum gel applied on the affected area thrice daily with minimum water contact. It effectively reduced the erythematous condition, pain and oedema. The foul smell of the infection was not observed. Conclusion: As no previous report was found regarding the application of asafoetida resin gel for paronychia treatment, the result gives an opportunity to develop a non-invasive curing process of paronychia and a potential low cost easy management method of the disease even in the very chronic stage.