Sumbul

“SUMBUL”

Botanical name: Ferula moschata

Common name: sumbul

Sumbul or sumbal/muskroot belonging to family ferula

 is an herb that is used in European medical practice.

The name "sumbal" has an Aramaic origin from meaning spike

or ear. It is applied to several fragrant roots in the East, 

the principal being Nardostachys jatamansi. It consists of the

root of Ferula sumbul, a tall umbelliferous plant found in 

the north of Bokhara in present day Uzbekistan, its range 

apparently extending beyond the Amur. It was first brought to 

 Russia in 1535 as a substitute for musk; and in 1867 was

introduced into the British pharmacopoeia.

Characteristics of Sumbul

Ø  Root consists of transverse sections an inch or more in thickness and from 1 to 3 or more inches in diameter

Ø  Dark thin papery bark, a spongy texture, and the cut surface is marbled with white and blackish or pale brown

Ø  Musky odor and a bitter aromatic taste

Ø  The action and uses of the drug are the same as those of asafetida.

Ø  It owes its medicinal properties to a resin and an essential oil.

·         Resin contains about 9% while oil 3%

·         Resin is soluble in ether and has a musky smell, which is not fully developed until after contact with water.

Endangered Species
Sumbul is a victim of the vast deforestation around Lahore which was once considered as the city of gardens.