Syrian rue
Peganum harmalaA red dye from the seeds was used in traditional carpet and textile dyeing.
What is Syrian rue?
Syrian rue (Peganum harmala) is a plant of the Nitrariaceae family. Traditions that use it: Anatolia and the Mediterranean, Asia and Siberia. Part used: seeds, dried capsules.
What is Syrian rue used for?
Traditional use: Dried capsules are strung on a cord and hung by the door. Scientific evidence: traditional. The seeds contain β-carboline alkaloids such as harmine and harmaline, which reversibly inhibit the enzyme MAO-A.
Is Syrian rue safe?
Safety label: high risk. Drinking it can cause poisoning: vomiting, tremor, hallucinations and heart rhythm problems. It carries a risk of miscarriage. Because it is an MAO inhibitor, it interacts dangerously with antidepressants and certain foods.
Traditional use
Dried capsules are strung on a cord and hung by the door. The seeds are burned on embers as incense against the evil eye, especially at weddings, births and when moving into a new home.
In Kazakh and Uzbek tradition, adıraspan smoke cleanses the home and the newborn; the practice is linked to old shamanic rites.
In nature
Mix-up risk
Its look is distinctive, so it is rarely confused with other plants. The real risk is drinking the seeds without knowing the dose.
Preparation
Burned as incense. People sometimes drink small amounts at home; this is dangerous.
What science says
The seeds contain β-carboline alkaloids such as harmine and harmaline, which reversibly inhibit the enzyme MAO-A. They belong to the same family as the active compounds in the ayahuasca vine. There are no human studies of therapeutic use.
Safety
Drinking it can cause poisoning: vomiting, tremor, hallucinations and heart rhythm problems. It carries a risk of miscarriage. Because it is an MAO inhibitor, it interacts dangerously with antidepressants and certain foods.
Drug interactions
| Medicine or substance | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, tricyclics) | Harmala alkaloids inhibit the MAO enzyme; combining them can cause serotonin syndrome. |
| Tyramine-rich foods (aged cheese, salami, fermented foods) | With MAO blocked, tyramine cannot be broken down; blood pressure can rise suddenly and dangerously. |
| Stimulants and cold medicines (such as pseudoephedrine) | Together with MAO inhibition, blood pressure and heart rate can rise dangerously. |
This list is not complete. If you take regular medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor before trying Syrian rue.
Culture bridge
Same molecule, two rituals. Both carry harmine and harmaline. In Anatolia these alkaloids burn in smoke against the evil eye; in the Amazon they form the backbone of a ceremonial brew. Read the comparison →
Similar plants
Sources
- ResearchPeganum harmala L.: A Review of Botany, Traditional Use, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Quality Marker, and Toxicity
- ResearchPeganum harmala intoxication, a case report
- BookBaytop T. Türkiye’de Bitkiler ile Tedavi: Geçmişte ve Bugün. 2. baskı. İstanbul: Nobel Tıp Kitabevleri; 1999.
- Botanical recordKew Plants of the World Online: Peganum harmala
- Titles of research sources are summarised in Turkish on the Turkish page; links open the original English publications.
Written by Edanaz Tınmazlar · Last reviewed: · Türkçe