Harmal

Harmal, also known as Syrian rue or *Peganum harmala*, is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region, North Africa, and Western Asia. It is a perennial herb that can grow up to a meter in height and is characterized by its feathery leaves and small, white, star-shaped flowers. The plant produces a capsule fruit containing numerous seeds.

The seeds of harmal are particularly notable for their psychoactive properties, primarily due to the presence of harmala alkaloids, including harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine. These alkaloids are reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (MAO). Historically, harmal seeds have been used in traditional medicine and spiritual practices across various cultures. In some regions, they have been employed as a religious incense or consumed in small quantities for their purported therapeutic effects.

Harmal has also been used in folk medicine for a range of ailments, although scientific evidence supporting many of these uses is limited. The plant's alkaloids have been studied for their potential pharmacological activities, including antidepressant, antiparasitic, and anticancer properties. However, it is important to note that the consumption of harmal can have significant side effects and potential interactions with other medications, particularly antidepressants. Due to its psychoactive nature and potential toxicity, harmal should be used with extreme caution and preferably under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. The legal status of harmal varies by country and region.