Therapeutic Potential of Harmala (Peganum harmala L.) Seeds with an Array of Pharmacological Activities

摘要: Publisher Summary This chapter provides an account of the pharmacological properties P. harmala L. (Pgh) seeds, which are used in traditional medicine regions where it occurs naturally. Peganum seeds antispasmodic, hypnotic, antiperiodic, emetic, alterative, anthelmintic, and narcotic. Powdered seed is recommended as decoctions leaves given laryngitis rheumatism, respectively. Pgh possess significant antitumor activity, having high cell toxicity reducing proliferation tumoral lines vitro. It analgesic anti-inflammatory agent, its alkaloids exhibit active that act on central peripheral nervous systems may be mediated by opioid receptors. Smoke from kills algae, bacteria, intestinal parasites, molds. has antibacterial activity against drug-resistant bacteria protozoa. also antioxidant antimutagenic properties. The β-carboline present have recently drawn attention due to their activities. They shown effectiveness various tumor both vitro vivo. Although traditionally been abortifacient there few reports regarding human toxic effects syndromes. Symptoms mainly consist neurosensorial symptoms, hallucinations, a slight elevation body temperature, cardiovascular disorders such bradycardia low blood pressure; however, signs intoxication disappear hours after ingestion.