Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Peganum harmala and its main alkaloids

Wild Syrian rue (Peganum harmala) has a long history in Iranian folk medicine, with its seeds, bark, and root used for various ailments. Recent research demonstrates diverse pharmacological and therapeutic effects of the plant and its active alkaloids, particularly harmine and harmaline. The plant's key chemical constituents are beta-carboline alkaloids such as harmalol, harmaline, and harmine, with harmine being the most studied. These beta-carbolines also occur in other plants like Banisteria caapi and are employed to treat different diseases. This article reviews traditional uses and pharmacological effects of the total extract and individual active alkaloids of P. harmala.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Wild Syrian rue (Peganum harmala L. family Zygophyllaceae) is well-known in Iran and various parts of this plant including, its seeds, bark, and root have been used as folk medicine. Recent years of research has demonstrated different pharmacological and therapeutic effects of P. harmala and its active alkaloids, especially harmine and harmaline. Analytical studies on the chemical composition of the plant show that the most important constituents of this plant are beta-carboline alkaloids such as harmalol, harmaline, and harmine. Harmine is the most studied among these naturally occurring alkaloids. In addition to P. harmala (Syrian rue), these beta-carbolines are present in many other plants such as Banisteria caapi and are used for the treatment of different diseases. This article reviews the traditional uses and pharmacological effects of total extract and individual active alkaloids of P. harmala (Syrian rue).