Monday, February 16, 2009

Peganum harmala Linn.


English Name : Foreign Henna. Rue and Syrian Rue

Family : Zygophyllaceae

Origin : Sub tropical regions

Description
A bushy , 30-90 cm. high. Leaves multifid: segments linear, acute, narrow; flowers white, solitary in the axils of branches; capsules globose, depressed above, deeply lobed; seeds many, angled, flat.

Habitat
Forests; arid parts of peninsular, northwestern and northern India.

Parts Used : Seed and plant

Herb Effects
Abortifacient and aphrodisiac (plant); anthelmintic, narcotic, alterative, lactagogue, antispasmodic, hypnotic, anodyne, emetic, alleviates spasms, narcotic and kills certain insects (seed); antimicrobial, hypertensive, stimulates motor tracts of the central nervous system, acts as an MAO inhibitor, diuretic, stupefacient,diaphoretic.

Active Ingredients
Harmidine, harmaline and harmalol (seed); quercetin, kaempferol, harmine and acacetin (plant); harmalop, DMT and peganine.

Medicinal Use
Asthma, uterine cancer, fever, laryngitis, malaria, menstrual disorders, problems with lice, Parkinson's disease, rheumatism, as a vermifuge, tonic, aphrodisiac, alleviating spasms and as a narcotic and emmenagogue.

Dosage
Seed decoction: 15 to 30 ml doses.
Powder of seeds: 2 to 8 grams.

Reference

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