Peganum harmala is used as an aphrodisiac, antipyretic (in fever) in Ayurveda. Its seeds are used for treating skin cancer, pain, inflammation, bacterial and protozoal infection etc.
Botanical name- Peganum harmala Linn.
Family- Zygophyllaceae (Gokshura kula)
Table of Contents
Vernacular names
Harmal – Names in different languages:
Hindi name- Haramala
English name- Harmal Or Syrian Rue
Bengali name- Ishbandh
Tamil name- Simaiyalavinai
Telugu name- Seemagoria vittulu
Sanskrit name – Haramala
Kabul name – Harmal
Chemical composition
Peganum harmala chemical composition:
Harmine (all parts), Harmaline & Vasicine (also in root); Deoxyvasicinone(fruits, seeds, leaves) ; harmol (also in leaves), Harmalacidine, Peganidine, Harmine, Peganine, Peganal, Pegaline etc
(Reference: Illustrated Dravyaguna Vijnana, Vol. II, by Dr JLN Shastry)
Seeds contain beta-carboline and quinazoline, Alkaloids – Harmine, Harmaline and Harmalol
Medicinal properties
Peganum harmala medicinal properties:
Rasa (taste) – Tikta – bitter, Katu – Pungent
Guna (qualities) – Laghu – light to digest, Rooksha – Dryness
Vipaka- Katu – Undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion
Veerya – Ushna – Hot potency
Effect on Tridosha – Balances Kapha and Vata Dosha.
Part used, dosage
Part used- Root, leaf, Seed
Dosage- Powder, 1-3 g; decoction 40-80 ml
Sanskrit verse
Uses, indications
Peganum harmala uses:
Pittala – Increases Pitta Dosha
Vrushya – aphrodisiac, improves vigor
Stanya – Improves breast milk production
Indicated in –
Jwara – fever
Jantu – worm infestation – tapeworms
Kushta – skin diseases
It is widely used for treatment of hypertension and cardiac disorders.
It is used for treating high BP, urinary calculi, dysuria, chronic fever, cough and asthma.
It relieves spasmoidic and muscular pains.
Side effects
Because it can increase Pitta Dosha, people with Pitta body type should exercise precaution while using this herb. In a few sensitive people, it can cause dizziness, burning sensation etc.
Because it contracts the uterus, it is best avoided during pregnancy.
Interaction with medicines, supplements
Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.
Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.
With western
medicines
Seek your
doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western
(allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern
medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is
best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the
Ayurvedic medicine.
Research
Effect of extract against Leishmania major
Antinociceptive effects
Sthanika karma (Systemic Acton)
Externally
Analgesic and Anti microbial. Fumigation and external application with this plant is indicated in Vatavyadhi. Oil is used as ear drops in Earache and in hearing loss. Oil is also beneficial in infective non healing wounds.
Internally
Nervous system – Analgesic, Induce sleep, Cause intoxication. It is used to reduce neuro muscular pains (Sciatica etc.).
Digestive system – Facilitate normal movement of vata dosha. Indicated in abdominal colic, Helminthiasis etc.
Circulatory system – It acts as a blood purifier.
Respiratory system – Expels out excessive kapha dosha from the respiratory tract, indicated in cough, breathing disorders, Hiccough etc.
Reproductive system – Aphrodisiac in nature. Constricts uterine muscles, Improves breast milk production. Indicated in Dysmenorrhea, Oligomenorrhea etc.
Excretory system – Increases urine output. indicated in Dysuria, Urinary calculus etc.
Skin – Indicated in skin disorders
Tapakrama – Antipyretic (Vishamajvara)
Satmikarana – Indicated in general debility.