Harmel (Peganum harmala): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Peganum harmala work in the body?

Harmel seeds contain beta-carboline alkaloids, specifically harmine and harmaline, which function as reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A (RIMAs). This mechanism prevents the breakdown of neurotransmitters like serotonin, explaining its psychoactive and potential antidepressant effects (Evidence Level: C). Additionally, these compounds demonstrate anthelmintic properties by acting on the nervous systems of parasites, while vasicine provides bronchodilatory effects. This dual action supports its traditional use for both neurological and infectious conditions.

What are the dangerous drug interactions for Harmel?

Harmel presents serious interaction risks due to its MAO inhibitor activity. It must never be combined with pharmaceutical antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs, TCAs) or serotonergic drugs, as this combination can trigger serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal condition (Evidence Level: C). It is also contraindicated with CNS stimulants, decongestants containing pseudoephedrine, and foods high in tyramine (such as aged cheeses or cured meats), which can result in hypertensive crises. Professional supervision is essential to avoid life-threatening complications.

What is the safe dosage for Peganum harmala seeds?

Traditional sources suggest a total seed dosage of 3 to 7 grams, though this range approaches toxicity thresholds and requires strict professional guidance (Evidence Level: Traditional). The alkaloid content varies significantly between plants, making standardization difficult. The therapeutic window is narrow; doses exceeding this range frequently induce severe nausea, vomiting, and hallucinations. Due to the high risk of overdose and adverse effects, self-medication is strongly discouraged.

Is Peganum harmala safe to use during pregnancy?

No, Harmel is considered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The alkaloids present, particularly vasicine, possess uterine-stimulating properties that can induce contractions and lead to miscarriage or premature labor (Evidence Level: C). Furthermore, the potent pharmacological activity of beta-carboline alkaloids poses significant developmental risks to the fetus. Women who are pregnant or attempting to conceive should strictly avoid all exposure to this herb.

What are the traditional medicinal uses of Harmel?

Harmel is widely used in Middle Eastern and Central Asian traditional medicine, primarily as an anthelmintic to expel intestinal parasites and as a treatment for intermittent fevers (Evidence Level: Traditional). It is also employed ritually for spiritual purification, where the smoke of burning seeds is inhaled for its psychoactive properties. Additionally, it has been applied topically or internally for rheumatic conditions and toothaches. However, clinical evidence supporting these uses remains limited (Evidence Level: C).

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Peganum harmala, also known as Syrian rue or Harmel, is a perennial herb containing beta-carboline alkaloids with diverse pharmacological activities, including antitumor and antimicrobial effects [PMID:37350001, 24347928].

Contexte

Peganum harmala L. is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Zygophyllaceae family that grows in semi-arid climates, including North Africa, the Middle East, and regions of China [PMID:37350001, 33889749].

Usages traditionnels

In Chinese folk medicine, it is used to strengthen muscle, warm the stomach, dispel cold, and remove dampness, and is clinically applied for joint pain, cough, phlegm, dizziness, headache, and irregular menstruation [PMID:37350001]. In traditional Iranian medicine, it is used as a carminative, galactagogue, diuretic, emmenagogue, antithrombotic, and analgesic [PMID:25842736]. It has also been used to treat cough, asthma, lumbago, hypertension, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease [PMID:35807407].

Composés actifs

The plant contains alkaloids (specifically beta-carbolines such as harmine, harmaline, and harmalol), volatile oils, flavonoids, triterpenoids, coumarins, and lignans [PMID:37350001, 24347928]. Specific isolated compounds include peharmalines F-K, 3-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)quinoline, and norharmane [PMID:35121215].

Mécanisme d'action

Beta-carboline derivatives interact with DNA via groove binding and intercalation, inhibiting DNA topoisomerases and interfering with DNA synthesis [PMID:20541950, 33684825]. Harmine inhibits ovarian cancer migration and invasion by downregulating HDAC7 and upregulating the tumor suppressor RECK [PMID:41061932]. Antimicrobial effects are mediated by inducing ROS accumulation, damaging cell membranes, and disturbing cytoplasm [PMID:35807407].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DCancer (Hepatoma/Various)

3-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)quinoline showed potent antiproliferative activity against HepG-2 cell lines [PMID:35121215]; leaf extracts showed cytotoxic effects against Jurkat, MCF-7, HeLa, and HT-29 cells [PMID:32847047].

Preuve DSeizures

Hydroalcoholic seed extract (10 mg/kg) prolonged seizure latency and decreased seizure duration in PTZ-induced mice [PMID:38089644].

Preuve DAlzheimer's-like pathology

Seed extract (187.5 mg/kg) enhanced cognition in AlCl3-induced rat models by increasing hippocampal GLP-1 [PMID:34103557].

Preuve DAnxiety and Depression

Seed extract (150 mg/kg) significantly reduced depressive-like behaviors in CUMS-exposed rats by reducing neuroinflammation and restoring BDNF/TrkB signaling [PMID:39172328].

Preuve DCandida albicans biofilm

P. harmala inhibited strong biofilm formation at a concentration of 12 μg/ml [PMID:27169010].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models (rats/mice), and literature reviews. There is a lack of human clinical trials (RCTs) in the provided data.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 35121215 (2022) — Anti-tumor alkaloids from Peganum harmala. · Phytochemistry
2.PMID: 33684825 (2021) — β-Carbolines as potential anticancer agents. · European journal of medicinal chemistry
3.PMID: 37350001 (2024) — Peganum harmala L.: A Review of Botany, Traditional Use, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Quality Marker, and Toxicity. · Combinatorial chemistry & high throughput screening
4.PMID: 33238864 (2021) — Alkaloids of Peganum harmala: Anticancer Biomarkers with Promising Outcomes. · Current pharmaceutical design
5.PMID: 21587830 (2010) — (E)-3-[4-(Dimethyl-amino)-benzyl-idene]-2,3-di-hydro-1H,9H-pyrrolo-[2,1-b]quinazolin-9-one. · Acta crystallographica. Section E, Structure reports online

Harmel

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Harmel

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Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Harmel

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Harmel

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Agave Blue

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Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales