Peganum harmala IS A POTENTIAL RESOURCE FOR NOVEL TREATMENTS - A REVIEW

For centuries, the seeds of Peganum harmala, a member of the Nitrariaceae family, have been utilized in traditional medicine to manage conditions like diabetes, neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease, and psychiatric issues such as anxiety. Phytochemical studies reveal that this plant contains a diverse array of compounds, including various alkaloids, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and amino acids. Furthermore, its chemical profile comprises glycosides, phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, aglycone anthraquinones, flavonoids, coumarins, and anthracene derivatives. It is also a source of mono, sesqui, and diterpenes, saponins, both condensed and hydrolysable tannins, mucilage, as well as triterpenes and steroids. It possesses many pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, cardiovascular, reproductive, protective, gastrointestinal, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neuropharmacological, antidiabetic, antitussive, expectorant and bronchodilating effects. As a traditional remedy in numerous cultures, Peganum harmala is the subject of this review, which offers a thorough analysis of its phytochemical makeup and pharmacological effects. Keywords: phytochemical constituents; pharmacology; traditional medicine; toxicology.