- Peganum harmala, commonly called "Syrian rue," is native to China, the eastern Mediterranean region east to India, and the western United States and can grow spontaneously in arid and rocky areas.
- Peganum harmala contains beta-carboline alkaloids (harmine, harmaline, harmalol) that are toxic to both humans and animals. These alkaloids are used in alcoholic beverages, well-cooked foods, and tobacco smoke, and they have known hallucinogenic and strong monoamine oxidase inhibitory (MAOI) activity.
- Harmala alkaloids, harmaline and harmine, are known to cause tremors.
- When consumed by farm animals, Peganum harmala may have either a sedative or stimulant effect. In humans, the seeds are known to primarily cause a stimulant and hallucinogenic effect. In China, Mongolia, Iran, and Morocco, the seeds have been used to treat various diseases and purposes, such as cancer, hepatic arterial embolization, and high fevers. The seeds may also be used to relieve grief and as a disinfectant. In South America, it is reportedly combined with dimethyltryptamine to make an infusion known as ayahuasca and is used for various healing purposes.
- Traditionally, the stems, roots, and seeds have been used for nonmedical purposes, such as making dyes, inks, stains, and tattoos. The plant has also been mixed with other ingredients and placed onto charcoal, where it makes a popping sound and releases a fragrant smoke used in prayer rituals. The dried capsules are also used and hung in homes or vehicles, because it is believed to protect against the "evil eye."
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Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.
- Ahmad, A., Khan, K. A., Sultana, S., et al. Study of the in vitro antimicrobial activity of harmine, harmaline and their derivatives. J.Ethnopharmacol. 1992;35(3):289-294. View Abstract
- Al-Shamma, A., Drake, S., Flynn, D. L., et al. T. Antimicrobial agents from higher plants. Antimicrobial agents from Peganum harmala seeds. J.Nat.Prod. 1981;44(6):745-747. View Abstract
- Astulla, A., Zaima, K., Matsuno, Y., et al. Alkaloids from the seeds of Peganum harmala showing antiplasmodial and vasorelaxant activities. J.Nat.Med. 2008;62(4):470-472. View Abstract
- Balaban, C. D. Central neurotoxic effects of intraperitoneally administered 3-acetylpyridine, harmaline and niacinamide in Sprague-Dawley and Long-Evans rats: a critical review of central 3-acetylpyridine neurotoxicity. Brain Res. 1985;356(1):21-42. View Abstract
- Deecher, D. C., Teitler, M., Soderlund, D. M., et al. Mechanisms of action of ibogaine and harmaline congeners based on radioligand binding studies. Brain Res. 2-7-1992;571(2):242-247. View Abstract
- Emboden, W. A. Narcotic Plants. New York,NY: MacMillan Publishing Co.;1980.
- Han, J. and An, L. Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Peganum harmala (Peganaceae), an important resist-drought and medicinal plant. Conserv.Genet. 2009;10(6):1899-1901.
- Hudson, J. B., Graham, E. A., and Towers, G. H. Antiviral effect of harmine, a photoactive beta-carboline alkaloid. Photochem.Photobiol. 1986;43(1):21-26. View Abstract
- Kim, D. H., Jang, Y. Y., Han, E. S., et al. Protective effect of harmaline and harmalol against dopamine- and 6-hydroxydopamine-induced oxidative damage of brain mitochondria and synaptosomes, and viability loss of PC12 cells. Eur.J.Neurosci. 2001;13(10):1861-1872. View Abstract
- Lala, S., Pramanick, S., Mukhopadhyay, S., et al. Harmine: evaluation of its antileishmanial properties in various vesicular delivery systems. J.Drug Target 2004;12(3):165-175. View Abstract
- Lamchouri, F., Settaf, A., Cherrah, Y., et al. Antitumour principles from Peganum harmala seeds. Therapie 1999;54(6):753-758. View Abstract
- Moura, D. J., Richter, M. F., Boeira, J. M., et al. Antioxidant properties of beta-carboline alkaloids are related to their antimutagenic and antigenotoxic activities. Mutagenesis 2007;22(4):293-302. View Abstract
- Shapira, Z., Terkel, J., Egozi, Y., et al. Abortifacient potential for the epigeal parts of Peganum harmala. J.Ethnopharmacol. 1989;27(3):319-325. View Abstract
- Yonezawa, T., Lee, J. W., Hibino, A., et al. Harmine promotes osteoblast differentiation through bone morphogenetic protein signaling. Biochem.Biophys.Res.Commun. 6-3-2011;409(2):260-265. View Abstract
- Zheng, X. Y., Zhang, Z. J., Chou, G. X., et al. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitive activity-guided isolation of two new alkaloids from seeds of Peganum nigellastrum Bunge by an in vitro TLC- bioautographic assay. Arch.Pharm.Res. 2009;32(9):1245-1251. View Abstract
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