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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).
PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
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].
Background
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].
Traditional uses
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].
Active compounds
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].
Mechanism of 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].
Clinical evidence
Evidence 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].
Evidence DSeizures
Hydroalcoholic seed extract (10 mg/kg) prolonged seizure latency and decreased seizure duration in PTZ-induced mice [PMID:38089644].
Evidence DAlzheimer's-like pathology
Seed extract (187.5 mg/kg) enhanced cognition in AlCl3-induced rat models by increasing hippocampal GLP-1 [PMID:34103557].
Evidence 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].
Evidence DCandida albicans biofilm
P. harmala inhibited strong biofilm formation at a concentration of 12 μg/ml [PMID:27169010].
Evidence summary
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.
No direct government monograph is available for this herb. The content below is AI-generated and has not been verified against an authoritative government source. Use the search links to check official sources before relying on this information.
6.PMID: 24347928 (2013) — Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Peganum harmala and its main alkaloids. · Pharmacognosy reviews
7.PMID: 35807407 (2022) — Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiviral, and Antiparasitic Activities of Peganum harmala and Its Ingredients: A Review. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
8.PMID: 38187327 (2024) — Identification of functional biomarkers of Peganum harmala and Hypericum perforatum using PCA-constructed secondary metabolite maps. · Heliyon
9.PMID: 34463115 (2021) — Could Peganum harmala be effective in the treatment of COVID-19? · Bratislavske lekarske listy
10.PMID: 30228928 (2018) — A Descriptive Review of the Prevalence and Usage of Traditional and Complementary Medicine among Saudi Diabetic Patients. · Scientifica
11.PMID: 38089644 (2023) — Antiseizure Effects of Peganum harmala L. and Lavandula angustifolia. · BioMed research international
12.PMID: 40058769 (2025) — Plant extracts as a source of antiviral agents against influenza A virus. · Journal of applied microbiology
13.PMID: 42015445 (2026) — Significance of Herbs in the Dental World. · Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP
14.PMID: 20541950 (2010) — Beta-carboline alkaloids bind DNA. · Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology
15.PMID: 38590646 (2024) — Research progress on the antitumor effects of harmine. · Frontiers in oncology
16.PMID: 25842736 (2015) — Medicinal properties of Peganum harmala L. in traditional Iranian medicine and modern phytotherapy: a review. · Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan
17.PMID: 33889749 (2021) — Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Peganum harmala (Zygophyllaceae). · Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources
18.PMID: 41061932 (2025) — Harmine inhibits ovarian cancer migration and invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by inhibiting HDAC7 to restore RECK expression. · Biochemical pharmacology
19.PMID: 27169010 (2016) — Anti-biofilm Properties of Peganum harmala against Candida albicans. · Osong public health and research perspectives
20.PMID: 33206346 (2020) — Pharmacological effects of harmine and its derivatives: a review. · Archives of pharmacal research
22.PMID: 32847047 (2020) — Polyphenols of Frangula alnus and Peganum harmala Leaves and Associated Biological Activities. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
23.PMID: 30647716 (2018) — Evaluation of genetic diversity in wild populations of Peganum harmala L., a medicinal plant. · Journal, genetic engineering & biotechnology
24.PMID: 35783431 (2022) — Changes in the Soil Fungal Community Mediated by a Peganum harmala Allelochemical. · Frontiers in microbiology
25.PMID: 39072993 (2024) — Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant, Anti-Alzheimer, And α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Effect Of Algerian Peganum harmala Seeds Extract. · Chemistry & biodiversity
26.PMID: 32896230 (2021) — Chemical Composition of Traditional and Analog Ayahuasca. · Journal of psychoactive drugs
27.PMID: 39172328 (2024) — Peganum harmala L. seed extract attenuates anxiety and depression in rats by reducing neuroinflammation and restoring the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway and monoamines after exposure to chronic unpredictable mild stress. · Metabolic brain disease
28.PMID: 30713897 (2016) — Banisteriopsis caapi, a Forgotten Potential Therapy for Parkinson's Disease? · Movement disorders clinical practice
29.PMID: 37514274 (2023) — Seed Germination Ecology of the Medicinal Plant Peganum harmala (Zygophyllaceae). · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)