SUMMARYIn the present analysis, the influence of heat and mass transfer on the peristaltic flow of a hyperbolic tangent fluid in an asymmetric channel has been discussed. The highly nonlinear equations are simplified under lubrication approach. The perturbation and numerical solutions of the problem are not only discussed but the validity of the results is also being checked. The graphical results of the problem under discussion are also being brought under consideration to see the behavior of various physical parameters. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.