Student: Sayidaxmedova Vaziraxon
Scientific Supervisor: Qayumov G‘anisher
Annotation
This article provides a scientific analysis of the medicinal properties of Peganum harmala L. based on information from Ibn Sina’s Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb (The Canon of Medicine) and evaluates them from the perspective of modern pharmaceutical science and pharmacology. The article covers the botanical description, chemical composition, and biological activity of Peganum harmala, particularly focusing on its beta-carboline alkaloids—harmine, harmaline, harmalol, and peganine. Ibn Sina’s doctrine on Peganum harmala includes its antiseptic, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory properties, effects on the nervous system, and its role in women’s health. Additionally, the disinfectant properties of Peganum harmala smoke and its toxicological aspects are compared with modern scientific findings.
Abstract
Peganum harmala L. is a unique plant distributed across Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Mediterranean region, with historical, religious, ethnobotanical, and pharmaceutical significance. Historically regarded as a “sacred plant,” “air purifier,” and “spiritual protector,” modern science has identified its rare beta-carboline alkaloids, which possess psychoactive, antimicrobial, antihistaminic, antitumor, and MAO-inhibitory properties. Today, Peganum harmala is studied not only in traditional medicine but also in pharmaceutical sciences, toxicology, biochemistry, neuropharmacology, oncology, and even anthropology.
Keywords
Peganum harmala, Ibn Sina (Avicenna), The Canon of Medicine, pharmaceuticals, alkaloids, harmine, harmaline, phytopreparations.
Botanical and Geographical Characteristics
Family: Nitrariaceae
Genus: Peganum
Species: Peganum harmala L.
Peganum harmala is a xerophytic plant, 30–70 cm tall, adapted to arid autumn conditions. Due to its high ecological resilience, it grows well in saline soils, rocky and sandy areas, high-temperature zones, and low-water conditions. Its root system can reduce heavy metals in the soil by up to 50%, making it valuable for ecological reclamation.
Chemical Composition: A Rare Alkaloid Reservoir
The biological value of Peganum harmala is determined by its beta-carboline alkaloids, which are rare in the plant kingdom. The main alkaloids include:
Harmine
Harmaline
Harmalol
Peganine (vasicin)
Dehydropegamine
Harmine was first used in the laboratory in the 20th century as a neuromodulator for Parkinson’s disease research. Additional bioactive compounds include flavonoids, lignans, organic acids, tannins, essential oils, sterols, and anthocyanins. Studies show that 1 g of Peganum harmala seeds can yield 30–50 mg of pure alkaloids, a remarkably high content compared to other medicinal plants.
Pharmacological Properties
1. Antiviral and Antibacterial Activity
Peganum harmala extracts demonstrate high efficacy against microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Salmonella, Candida albicans, herpes viruses, and influenza viruses. Burning Peganum harmala seeds can reduce airborne microorganisms by up to 90%.
2. MAO-A and MAO-B Inhibitory Properties
Harmine and harmaline inhibit monoamine oxidase enzymes, making them promising for treating depression, preventing dopamine breakdown in Parkinson’s disease, and slowing neurodegenerative processes.
3. Antitumor Properties
Peganum harmala alkaloids:
Inhibit DNA replication in cancer cells
Enhance apoptosis
Reduce angiogenesis
Harmine has been found to induce apoptosis in 70–80% of leukemia cells.
4. Antiparasitic Effects
Traditionally used against parasites, Peganum harmala is scientifically proven to be effective against internal worms, insect larvae, and skin parasites.
5. Sedative, Anxiolytic, and Antidepressant Effects
Alkaloids in Peganum harmala interact directly with brain receptors, improving sleep, stabilizing mood, and reducing nervous tension.
Role in Modern Pharmacy
1. Drug Development Based on Alkaloids
Peganum harmala alkaloids are used to develop:
Antidepressants
Anti-Parkinson drugs
Antitumor agents
Bronchodilators
Analgesics
2. Phytopharmaceutical Preparations
Extracts are prepared in capsules, tinctures, inhalation extracts, and powders.
3. Biotechnology Applications
Used as reagents for modulating enzyme activity, differentiating neuronal cells, and DNA fragmentation studies.
Sayidaxmedova Vaziraxon Isroiljon qizi was born on October 13, 2006, in Farg‘ona district, Farg‘ona region. She graduated from Secondary School No. 52 in her district and is currently a second-year student in the Pharmacy program at Farg‘ona Public Health Medical Institute. Since childhood, Vaziraxon has been interested in reading books and drawing. Her goal is to become a highly skilled specialist in her future profession.
