Syrian rue (Peganum harmala), also known as harmal or esfand, is a tough steppe plant with small brown seeds that are surprisingly rich in alkaloids. Those compounds inhibit the enzyme MAO-A. That makes the plant interesting to ethnobotanists, but also one you need to handle with real care. In this post you'll learn what Syrian rue is, how its active compounds work, and which risks and combinations you need to know about.
What is Syrian rue?
Peganum harmala is a perennial plant 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 feet) tall, with finely divided, narrow leaves and white five-petalled flowers. After flowering it forms round seed capsules full of small, dark brown, angular seeds. It grows from North Africa and the Mediterranean through the Middle East to Central Asia, on dry, sunny ground.
Despite the name, it isn't related to common rue (Ruta graveolens). In Iran and Turkey the seeds have been burned as incense for centuries, and the plant was also used to make red dye for carpets.
The active compounds: harmala alkaloids
The seeds contain around 3% harmala alkaloids by dry weight. The main ones are:
| Alkaloid | What it does |
|---|---|
| Harmine | Inhibits MAO-A, the main component in the seeds |
| Harmaline | Inhibits MAO-A and is the most psychoactive harmala alkaloid |
| Tetrahydroharmine (THH) | Weaker MAO-A inhibitor and mild serotonin reuptake inhibitor |
MAO-A is an enzyme that breaks down substances such as serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline and tyramine. Harmala alkaloids are reversible inhibitors of MAO-A, also called RIMAs. That means the enzyme returns to normal after a while. As long as the inhibition is active, though, those substances stay in your body longer. That's exactly where the risks below come from.
At Avalon you'll find Peganum harmala as Syrian rue seeds and as Peganum harmala 10:1 extract.
Why Syrian rue is well known
The plant owes most of its fame to the ayahuasca world. In ayahuasca, an MAO inhibitor makes DMT from another plant orally active. Traditionally that MAO inhibitor comes from Banisteriopsis caapi, but Peganum harmala contains similar alkaloids. That combination produces a very powerful experience with risks of its own. Read the first time ayahuasca: what to know first, and browse the ayahuasca category for background on the different plants. Avalon doesn't provide recipes or usage advice.
Side effects and risks
- Nausea and vomiting: very common and often the first reaction.
- Dizziness, tremor and reduced coordination: especially with larger amounts.
- Dreamlike visuals and a heavy body feeling: harmaline can cause visual effects at higher amounts, along with physical discomfort.
- Poisoning: in large amounts the plant is toxic. Serious poisonings have been reported in both people and livestock.
- Pregnancy: the plant stimulates the uterus and is traditionally used as an abortifacient. Never use it during pregnancy.
Dangerous combinations
With MAO-A inhibited, many common medicines, substances and even foods can suddenly become dangerous.
| Combination | Risk | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, other MAOIs) | Serotonin syndrome | Never combine |
| MDMA, amphetamine, cocaine and other stimulants | Serotonin syndrome, dangerous blood pressure spike | Never combine |
| 5-MeO-DMT | Severe poisoning, including deaths | Never combine |
| Tramadol, dextromethorphan (cough medicine), 5-HTP, St John's wort, kanna | Serotonin syndrome | Never combine |
| Decongestants with pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine | Blood pressure spike | Don't combine |
| Tyramine-rich foods | Blood pressure spike | Avoid while MAO inhibition is active |
Tyramine-rich foods
Because harmala alkaloids are reversible, the risk is lower than with older MAO inhibitors, but it isn't zero. Examples of tyramine-rich foods: aged and hard cheeses, cured or fermented meats, soy sauce and other fermented soy products, sauerkraut, yeast extract and draught beer.
Warning signs: a severe, pounding headache, stiff neck, palpitations, chest pain, sweating, fever, agitation, tremor or confusion. If you get these symptoms, call emergency services (112 in Europe, 911 in the US).
Who should avoid Syrian rue
- Anyone under 18.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- People taking antidepressants or other psychiatric medication.
- People with high blood pressure, heart problems or liver or kidney disease.
- Anyone with a personal or family history of psychosis.
On medication and unsure? Ask your doctor or pharmacist first. Never stop prescribed medication on your own.
The seeds and the plant
The seeds are small, dark brown and keep for a long time if stored dry and dark. Keep them out of reach of children and pets, as the plant is toxic to animals too. If you want to grow it, give it a sunny spot and poor, free-draining soil. In several US states Peganum harmala is listed as a noxious weed, and growing or importing it is restricted. So never plant it out in the wild.
Is Syrian rue legal?
In the Netherlands, Peganum harmala is freely available. Elsewhere the rules vary a lot:
- France: since May 2005, the plant and the harmala alkaloids have been on the list of controlled substances.
- Australia: harmala alkaloids are strictly controlled (Schedule 9).
- Canada: harmaline and harmalol fall under drug legislation.
- United States: not controlled at federal level, but not allowed for human consumption in Louisiana, and restricted as a noxious weed in several western states.
Always check your local law. That responsibility is yours.
Frequently asked questions
Is Syrian rue the same as common rue?
No. Common rue (Ruta graveolens) is a completely different plant from another family and contains no harmala alkaloids.
What does RIMA mean?
RIMA stands for reversible inhibitor of MAO-A. The enzyme is blocked temporarily and then works normally again, unlike older MAO inhibitors that knock it out permanently.
Can I combine Syrian rue with antidepressants?
No. That combination can cause serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening.
Why do I need to watch what I eat?
Tyramine from foods such as aged cheese and fermented products is normally broken down by MAO-A. When that enzyme is inhibited, your blood pressure can rise sharply.
Where can I find more information?
You'll find in-depth background on MAO inhibitors and harmala alkaloids on Erowid and DMT-Nexus. All Peganum harmala products at Avalon are for adults aged 18 and over only.
