IDENTIFICATION TESTS FOR RESINOUS DRUGS Chemical test for Asafoetida

IDENTIFICATION TESTS FOR RESINOUS DRUGS

Chemical test for Asafoetida

Objective: 

To perform the chemical test for ASAFOETIDA

Biological source:

It is the oleo resin obtained from roots and rhizomes of Ferula foetida.

Fam- umbelliferae

Physical characteristics:

Appearance           - Crystalline

Colour                   -Yellowish brown

Odour                    - Intense penetrating and alliaceous odour

Shape                    - Tear and masses

Taste                      - Bitter acrid and alliaceous taste

Solubility               - Partially soluble in alcohol

Sr. No.	Test	Observation	Inference
1.	Triturate with water	Yellowish orange  emulsion	Asafoetida present
2.	Treat fractured surface with with 50% nitric acid	Green colour.	Asafoetida present
3.	Treat fractured surface with conc.sulphuric acid	Red or reddish brown colour	Asafoetida present
4.	Combined Umbelliferone Test: Triturate 0.5 g of drug + sand + 5ml Hydrochloric acid, add 2ml water, filter, Filtrate + equal volume of ammonia	Blue fluorescence ( umbelliferone)	Asafoetida present
5.	Alcoholic extract + phloroglucinol and conc HCL	Pink colour.	Asafoetida present
6.	On burning	Yellow flame	Asafoetida present