Harmala Extract Research Articles

Peganum harmala Extract Has Antiamoebic Activity to Acanthamoeba triangularis Trophozoites and Changes Expression of Autophagy-Related Genes.

Peganum harmala, a well-known medicinal plant, has been used for several therapeutic purposes as it contains numerous pharmacological active compounds. Our study reported an anti-parasitic activity of P. harmala seed extract against Acanthamoeba triangularis. The stress induced by the extract on the surviving trophozoites for Acanthamoeba encystation and vacuolization was examined by microscopy, and transcriptional expression of Acanthamoeba autophagy-related genes was investigated by quantitative PCR. Our results showed that the surviving trophozoites were not transformed into cysts, and the number of trophozoites with enlarged vacuoles were not significantly different from that of untreated control. Molecular analysis data demonstrated that the mRNA expression of tested AcATG genes, i.e., ATG3, ATG8b, and ATG16, was at a basal level along the treatment. However, upregulation of AcATG16 at 24 h post treatment was observed, which may indicate an autophagic activity of this protein in response to the stress. Altogether, these data revealed the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of P. harmala extract and indicated the association of autophagy mRNA expression and cyst formation under the extract stress, representing a promising plant for future drug development. However, further identification of an active compound and a study of autophagy at the protein level are needed.

Analysis of Peganum harmala, Melia azedarach and Morus alba extracts against six lethal human cancer cells and oxidative stress along with chemical characterization through advance Fourier Transform and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopic methods towards green chemotherapeutic agents

Traditional medicines implicate consumption of plant crude extracts, which may consist of extensive phytochemical diversity. Overall, the most biologically active extract of Peganum harmala (seeds) exhibited significant cytotoxic activity on Artemia salina with LC50 value of 61.547 µg/mL, while P. harmala (roots) [LC50 = 124.229 µg/mL] and M. azedarach (fruits) [LC50 = 147.813 µg/mL] showed moderate cytotoxic potential. P. harmala (seeds) extract also showed the maximum antitumor potential with 52.278 µg/mL LC50. Branches of P. harmala and Morus alba were not active in both bioassays. These outcomes were further reinforced by the levels of phenolics and flavonoids checked against gallic acid and quercetin equivalents, respectively, by standard curves. Current study aims to isolate, structurally characterize and analyze the bioactive compound from plant extracts by using chromatographic and spectrophotometric techniques. Bioactivity guided isolation of extracts led to the isolation of PH-HM-16 from ethyl acetate fraction P. harmala seeds. Chemical structure of PH-HM-16 was elucidated by ESI-MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HSQC and IR spectrum. The results demonstrated significant positive anticancer activities against six human cancer cell lines assessed through MTT cancer cell growth inhibition assay. PH-HM-16 was most effective against prostate cancer cell lines [IC50 = 17.63 µg/mL] followed by breast cancer cell line MCF7 [IC50 value of 41.81 µg/mL]. IC50 value of PH-HM-16 against human myeloid leukemia cell line HL-60 and human colorectal tumor cells HCT-116 was observed as 68.77 µg/mL and 71.54 µg/mL respectively. The IC 50 value of PH-HM-16 compound was not significant against human gastric cancer SGC-7901 (111.89 µg/mL) and human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line A549 (176.04 µg/mL). Isolated bioactive metabolite PH-HM-16 possesses significant antitumor potential so this could be the first step to develop an effective anticancer agent. Hence, this compound represents a promising potential to be chemically standardized or developed into pharmaceuticals for the chemoprevention and/or the treatment of certain types of cancer, especially as adjuvant phytotherapeutics in conventional chemotherapy.

Ultrasound-assisted solid phase microextraction-HPLC method based on Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2-molecularly imprinted polymer magnetic nano-sorbent for rapid and efficient extraction of harmaline from Peganum harmala extract

In the present study, a magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MMIP) was synthesized for the extraction of harmaline from Peganum harmala by dispersive solid-phase microextraction (DSPME). The MMIP for selective and intelligent extraction of harmaline with excellent functionality and high selectivity was synthesized using the sol-gel method with functionalized superparamagnetic core-shell nanoparticles, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA) as a cross-linker, methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer, and 2,2-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as a porogen. To study the properties and morphology of the coated polymer, FT-IR spectroscopy, FESEM, TEM images, and VSM were used. The DSPME-HPLC-UV equipment was used to quantify and analyze the data obtained from harmaline extraction. In this research, the efficiency of the synthesized polymer in harmaline extraction was modeled and optimized using the response surface methodology based on central composite design (RSM-CCD). In addition, for modeling the isotherm of harmaline sorption by the MMIP, Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations were used. The obtained results showed that the extraction of harmaline with the MMIP was well described with Freundlich isotherm. The results of the validation of the method showed that the measurement of harmaline in the concentration range of 1.0–4000 ng mL−1 followed a linear relationship (R2 = 9986.0). Moreover, the accuracy or repeatability index (% RSD) was determined to be < 10, and the LOQ and LOD values were 0.526 and 0.158 ng mL−1, respectively. The results of this study showed that the DSPME technique by using the synthesized MMIP as an effective sorbent with high efficiency and capacity could be utilized for pre-concentration and extraction of harmaline from real and complex samples.

Effect of Peganum Harmala Seeds Extract on Nitric Oxide in U937 Monocytes and Macrophages

Background and Aims: Nitric oxide (NO) has an essential role in inflammation and has been related to pathogenesis and the progress of numerous inflammatory-based diseases, including some cancers. Peganum harmala (P. harmala) is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of numerous diseases such as several infections. Also, anti-inflammatory effects of P. harmala extracts and its derivatives (harmaline and harmine) by suppressing myeloperoxidase, NO, and other mediators have been demonstrated in vivo. In this study, the effect of P. harmala seeds aqueous extract on NO production in U937 monocytic cells and peritoneal macrophages has been evaluated in vitro. Materials and Methods: U937 and mice peritoneal macrophages were cultured in Roswell Park Memorial institute-1640 with 10% fetal calf serum. Then, the cells at the logarithmic growth phase were incubated with different concentrations of aqueous extract of P. harmala seeds (0.1-1 mg/ml) for 24 hours. Next, NO production was assessed by the Griess method in the culture medium. Results: P. harmala seeds aqueous extract did not significantly affect lipopolysaccharide-induced NO production in U937 cells and peritoneal macrophages after 24 hours incubation time compared with untreated control cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of P. harmala may be mediated through NO-independent mechanism(s). However, further studies are warranted to define the P. harmala aqueous extract impact on NO expression in other related normal and cancerous cells.

Evaluation of the effect of Peganum harmala extracts on the in vitro viability of Leishmania tropica promastigotes in comparison to Glucantime.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a skin disease that pretends with skin lesions, mainly ulcers, on exposed parts of the body. It's caused mainly by parasites belonging to the genus Leishmania, such as L. tropica. Medicinal plants, which have sparked recent researches attention, consider one of the richest sources of active compounds against the Leishmania parasite including Peganum harmala. This study was conducted to investigate the antileishmanial effect of different extracts of Peganum harmala grown in Syria, particularly the methanolic extract of seeds and roots as well as its alkaloid fractions on Leishmania tropica promastigotes growth in vitro. After culturing promastigotes and incubating with extracts for 72h, the surviving promastigotes were counted. The half maximal (50%) inhibitory concentration (IC50) was determined. The experiments were repeated at least three times. The in vitro experiment has demonstrated a concentration-dependent decrease of parasites number caused by the extracts with an IC50 value of 18.61 ± 0.87µg/mL and 16.41 ± 0.71µg/mL for the methanolic extract of seeds and roots respectively. While the IC50 of the alkaloid fractions of seeds and roots were 4.97 ± 0.43μg/mL and 9.23 ± 0.86μg/mL respectively. There was a significant difference between all extracts and Glucantime which had IC50 = 32.62 ± 0.66µg/mL.

In Vitro Cytotoxicity of Total Alkaloid Extract from Peganum Harmala L. Seeds

Objectives:(Investigation the cytotoxicity of total alkaloid extract of Peganum harmala L. seeds against tumor cell lines. Methods: From the seeds of P. harmala. total alkaloid was extracted using 80%) methan0l, chloro forme(at pH2 and pH10 and they chloro forme partn was driedd to gettinge the extract ofy totaly alkaloidd t. The totaly alkaloidss werey revealing ofd 1qualitatively by Dragend0rff’s, Mayer.’s and Hage.r‘s) 1reagents and estimated 1quantitatively by Bromo cresol green spectro.photometry depending on the curve of atropine 1calibration. (The activity of cytotoxicity was achieved by using Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cell line and fetal hepatic cell line (WRL-68) non-tumorigenic by MTT assayi. Resultse: Thet t0tal content of alkal0id of P. harmala extract was 328.62± 2.8mg/100 g dry weight of plant. This extract drop the viability of cells in b0th cell lines, the greatest reduction happened in the concentration 400 ?g/ml was 60.2± 2.8 % for MCF-7 and 66.5±2.2% for WRL-68. Conclusion: (The alkaloids of P. harmala had variable effects againstt cancery andy normale cellt linesy 1depending 0n thei type of alkal0id compounds andi their concentration in the extract).

Biosynthesis of Ag Nanoparticle by Peganum Harmala Extract; Antimicrobial Activity and Ability for Fabrication of Quercetin Food Electrochemical Sensor

Biosynthesis of Ag Nanoparticle by Peganum Harmala Extract; Antimicrobial Activity and Ability for Fabrication of Quercetin Food Electrochemical Sensor

INSECTICIDAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF TWO ALGERIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS

In this work, we determined the insecticidal activity and antioxidant activity of aqueous extracts of Nerium oleander (Apocynaceae) leaves and Peganum harmala (Zygophyllaceae) seeds, two well-known Algerian medicinal plants. Four concentrations of each extract were applied in total randomization by spraying directly on the eggs and larvae of Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller, 1879) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) under laboratory conditions. Our findings revealed that eggs hatching after four days were not affected by the aqueous extract, with a rate of 54% of hatching eggs in both control and treated eggs. Additionally, toxicity by contact on larvae was not evident and the mortality percentage did not exceed 8%, regardless of the extract plant and concentration. Phytochemical screening showed a slight presence of terpenes and saponins and an absence of alkaloids. However, polyphenols were present in medium concentrations in the aqueous extracts of both plants. The antioxidant activities of N. oleander and P. harmala extracts were found to be 71.80 and 72.94%, respectively. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the studied extracts were 50.69 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g dry weight (DW) and 3.55 in terms of quercetin equivalent (QE)/100 g DW, respectively, in N. oleander. In P. harmala, the TPC and TFC were 52.30 mg GAE/100 g DW and 3.49 mg QE/100 g DW, respectively. Our study clearly shows the limited insecticidal effect of the aqueous extracts, although they showed an interesting antioxidant potential, which could help to decrease the incidence of oxidative stress-induced damage.

In vitro effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Peganum harmala on human ureteric contractions

Introduction: Ureteral obstruction by stones is one of the most common urological problems. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the in vitro effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Peganum harmala L. on the contraction of the human ureter. Materials and Methods: In this study, 28 samples of human ureter tissue were studied. Six tissue samples were examined for the evaluation of P. harmala extract at concentrations of 1, 2, and 4 mg/mL. Moreover, five tissue samples were examined for checking NaCl solution since, six pieces of tissue for the examination of prazosin 10-8M solution. Results: There was a significant difference between the second contraction of P. harmala group with concentration of 4 mg/mL and NaCl group (P&lt;0.001). Additionally, a significant difference between the prazosin and P. harmala groups with a concentration of 4 mg/mL (P=0.048) was observed. There is a marginal difference between the secondary contractions in two groups. A significant decrease in secondary contraction (15 minutes after adding the solution) was observed between the prazosin group and the P. harmala group at a concentration of 1 mg/mL (P&lt;0.001). Moreover, the secondary contraction of the prazosin group showed a significant decrease compared with the NaCl group (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Administration of P. harmala extract can be useful in reducing urinary human ureteric contractions while the best effect was achieved at 4 mg/mL of P. harmala extract.

Scolicidal Effects of Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), Wild Rue Seed (Peganom harmala) and Shirazian Thyme (Zataria multiflora) Extracts on Protoscolices of Hydatid Cysts

Background: Surgery is one of the most common strategies to treat hydatidosis reserved as a complementary treatment with chemical agents. Due to low efficacy and the adverse effects of these chemical agents, it is necessary to develop a new and effective scolicidal agent to prevent the recurrence of hydatidosis after surgery. Objectives: The current study aimed at investigating the scolicidal effects of Berberis vulgaris, Peganom harmala, and Zataria multiflora methanolic extracts on protoscolices of hydatid cyst. Methods: Protoscolices were aseptically obtained from sheep livers infected with hydatid cyst in Hamadan slaughterhouse (Hamadan, Iran). After methanol extraction of herbs, different concentrations of extracts were used in various exposure time for mortality rate assay of protoscolices in laboratory. Results: The obtained results showed that various concentrations of B. vulgaris and Z. multiflora extracts could kill 100% of protoscolices after five minutes of exposure and the mean of mortality rate of protoscolices was remarkably higher in the experiment group comparison with that of the control group (P 0.05). Conclusions: The current study findings showed that B. vulgaris and Z. multiflora extracts can be natural sources to develop new scolicidal agents used in hydatid cyst surgery to prevent recurrence of the disease. However, the in vitro examination revealed that the P. harmala extract had no strong scolicidal activities.

Effect of Extracts of Capparis spinosa, Withania somnifera and Peganum harmala on Aspergillus flavus Growth and Expression of Major Genes in Aflatoxin Biosynthetic Pathway

Background: Aflatoxins, a polyketide group derived from furanocoumarins, are highly toxic carcinogens produced by Aspergillus flavus and other closely related species. Objectives: In this research, the effects of Capparis spinosa, Withania somnifera, and Peganum harmala extracts on A. flavus growth and the expression of some major genes in aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway were investigated. Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were measured and the expression of aflQ, aflO, aflS, and aflR genes was evaluated by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technique. Results: Capparis spinosa extract had the lowest MIC value (200 mg/mL) and the extracts of W. somnifera and P. harmala had the highest MIC value (400 mg/mL). The extracts of W. somnifera and P. harmala had no fungicidal activity, and the C. spinosa extract had the lowest MFC value (400 mg/mL) and had the highest fungicidal effect on A. flavus. The expression of aflQ, aflO, aflS, and aflR genes was significantly decreased by the C. spinosa extract. Conclusions: In general, the C. spinosa extract could have fungicidal and inhibitory effects on A. flavus and reduce expression of major genes in the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway.

COMPARING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE AQUEOUS AND ALCOHOLIC EXTRACTS OF PEGANUM HARMALA AND ANTIBACTERIAL SOLUTIONS OF CHLORHEXIDINE AND LISTERINE IN DIFFERENT PERCENTAGES ON AGGREGIBACTER ACTINOMYCETEMCOMITANS AND STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS BACTERIA

Introduction: Antibacterial effects of Peganum harmala extract have been proved in in-vitro studies.The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of different percentages of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Peganum harmala and antibacterial solutions of Chlorhexidine and Listerine on Aggregibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Staphylococcus aureusbacteria. Materials and methods: In this study, the antibacterial effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Peganum harmala was investigated using well plate and MIC methods. Bacterial strains of Aggregibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.) and Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus)were cultured in plates.Then, wells were created in each plate and the extracts were placed in them with different concentrations(0.5%, 1%, 3%, 5% and 10%).2.0% and 12.0% Chlorhexidine and Listerinewere used as the positive control and empty wells and solvent were used for the negative control. Plates were incubated. Then, the diameter of the zone of growth inhibition around each well was measured and recorded. Findings: All the concentrations, except 5% and 10% ethanolic concentrations, had a significantly lower antibacterial effect on A.a and S. aureus bacteria than Chlorhexidine (P<0.05).Increasing the concentration significantly increased the zone of growth inhibition in both extracts. Compared to Listerine, the effectiveness of the alcoholic extractof Peganum harmala was comparable and was even more effective on S. aureus than Listerine. The ethanolic extract also had more bacterial effect than aqueous extract. Conclusion: According to this study, the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Peganum harmala plant had antibacterial properties against A.a and S. aureus bacteria, which was more effective in ethanol solvent and higher concentrations, which prevents the significant growth of bacteria. However, in comparison with0.2% and0.12% Chlorhexidine and Listerine,they exhibited a significantly lower antibacterial effect, except for 5% and 10%alcoholic extracts.

Synergistic effect of Lawsonia inermis and Peganum harmala aqueous extracts on in vitro growth of Leishmania tropica promastigotes comparison to Sodium Stibogluconate

Promastigotes of genus Leishmania are transmitted by Phlebotomus sandflies bites. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in southern parts of Iraq. Lawsonia inermis (henna) leaves contain several active compounds that have antiprotozoal activity, as well as, Peganum harmala possess several alkaloids with antiprotozoal properties. In this study, MTT assay was used to assess the antileishmanial activity of L. inermis and P. harmala aqueous extracts in comparison to pentavalent antimonial drug( sodium stibogluconate) on in vitro promastigotes of Leishmania tropica. L. inermis and P. harmala extracts were prepared in concentrations of (5%, 2.5% and 1.25%) and (10%, 5% and 2.5%) respectively. Also, combinations of various concentrations were prepared to assess the synergistic effect of both plants on promastigotes. Inhibition rate was calculated for each extract concentration and their combinations. Statistical analysis showed a significant(P&lt;0.01) inhibition of promastigotes of L.tropica by both extracts of low and moderate concentrations, while higher concentrations had no inhibitory effect in comparison to sodium stibogluconate solution.. The combination of extracts showed a strong inhibitory effect in comparison to individual extracts of plants. Synergism was obvious when both extracts were combined.

Identification, occurrence and activity of quinazoline alkaloids in Peganum harmala

Peganum harmala L. is a medicinal plant from the Mediterranean region and Asia currently used for recreative psychoactive purposes (Ayahuasca analogue), and increasingly involved in toxic cases. Its psychopharmacological and toxicological properties are attributed to quinazoline and β-carboline alkaloids. In this work three major quinazoline alkaloids were isolated from P. harmala extracts and characterized as peganine (vasicine), deoxypeganine (deoxyvasicine) and a novel compound identified by HPLC-DAD-MS and NMR as peganine β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranoside (peganine glycoside). Peganine appeared in flowers and leaves in high levels; high amounts of deoxypeganine and peganine were found in immature and green fruits whereas peganine and peganine glycoside accumulated in high amount in dry seeds reaching up to 1 and 3.9% (w/w), respectively. Roots and stems contained low amount of quinazolines. Seeds extracts containing both quinazoline and β-carboline alkaloids potently inhibited human monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A. However, quinazoline alkaloids did not contribute to MAO inhibition that was due to β-carbolines, suggesting that MAO-related psychoactive or toxic actions do not arise from quinazolines. Quinazoline alkaloids were poor radical scavengers in the ABTS assay whereas seed extracts had good activity. Quinazoline alkaloids are known to exert bronchodilator and abortifacient actions, and could contribute to such effects reported in P. harmala.

Antimicrobial Activity of Peganum harmala Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains and Assessment of Its Cytotoxicity Effect on HEK-293 Cells

Background: Medicinal plants have been playing important roles in the treatment of different diseases. Peganum harmala is a famous medicinal plant used in the Iranian traditional medicine, due to the antimicrobial compounds found in its seeds and roots. Objectives: The main objective of the present study was to investigate the antibacterial activities of alcoholic extracts of P. harmala seeds on MRSA strains and cytotoxicity assessment of ethanolic extract of P. harmala seeds on HEK-293 cell line using MTT assay. Methods: During an 11-month descriptive cross-sectional study, 90 MRSA strains isolated from hospitalized patients in ICU wards were investigated. Micro-broth dilution method was employed to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of the extract on MRSA strains. HEK-293 cells were exposed to different concentrations of ethanolic extract of P. harmala and cytotoxicity was evaluated using MTT assay. Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration of P. harmala extract was observed in the range from 3.125 mg/ml to 25 mg/mL. The most antibacterial activity of the extract was found to be at 12.5 mg/ml concentration. MRSA strains were inhibited by P. harmala extract at MIC50 and MIC90 of 12.5 mg/mL and 25 mg/ml, respectively. MTT assay showed that the extract concentrations more than 0.5 mg/mL were toxic and caused more than 50% HEK-293 cell death. Conclusions: The results revealed that the P. harmala extract was very effective against MRSA strains isolated from ICU patients and may be useful to treat some of the infections although further investigation is recommended to assess their toxicity prior to in vivo use.

Investigation of the Antibacterial Effect of Native Peganum harmala, Mentha pulegium and Alcea rosea Hydro-alcoholic Extracts on Antibiotic Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae and Klebsiella pneumonia Isolated from Baku, Azerbaijan

Investigation of the Antibacterial Effect of Native Peganum harmala, Mentha pulegium and Alcea rosea Hydro-alcoholic Extracts on Antibiotic Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae and Klebsiella pneumonia Isolated from Baku, Azerbaijan

Compatibility assessment between four ethanolic plant extracts with a bug predator Orius horvathi (Reuter) (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) used for controlling the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

AbstractThe western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) attacks a large number of crop plants. The current insecticides have caused resistance in insects and have caused outbreaks of thrips. In many instances, alternative methods of insect management and natural products, offer adequate pest control and pose fewer hazards. Several species of minute pirate bugs of the genus Orius play a significant role in the biological control of a large number of thrips species, such as F. occidentalis. In this study, the insecticidal activity of four ethanolic plant extracts (Cercis siliquastrum L., Calendula officinalis L., Peganum harmala L., Melia azedarach L.) in integration with Orius horvathi (Reuter) were evaluated for controlling F. occidentalis. The present research aimed to find plant extracts with a good impact on F. occidentalis but which have fewer side effects on O. horvathi. The results showed that P. harmala extract can be considered compatible with the natural enemy for controlling thrips. When the predatory bugs O. horvathi, were released three days after P. harmala extract spraying, the integration was more effective. While the P. harmala plant extract plays an important role in thrips control, it is necessary to consider the specified time interval between the application of the P. harmala plant extract and the release of the O. horvathi predatory bugs. The ethanolic extract of M. azedarach caused a balance between the pest population and the natural enemy. This result is very important in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program because this ethanolic extract of M. azedarach had lower side effects on the natural enemy. This means that an integration of plant derived chemicals and the natural enemy, O. horvathi, can effectively control thrips.

Evaluation of phytochemical constituents by GC-MS and antidepressant activity of Peganum harmala L. seeds extract

ObjectiveTo identify the phytochemical constituents of Peganum harmala L. (P. harmala) seeds extract by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and evaluate their antidepressant activity. MethodsThe seeds extract was analyzed by GC-MS to identify their major chemical compounds. The antidepressant activity of P. harmala was demonstrated using the forced swim test and the adrenocorticotropic hormone analysis. After oral administration of the seeds extract and diazepam in rats, the immobility time in the forced swim test was measured and the defecation rate was estimated for all rats. ResultsGC-MS analysis showed the presence of indole alkaloids (β-carboline), for exmaple harmaline (48.009%), harmine (38.440%), tetrahydroharmine (8.513%), tetrahydroharman (0.061%) and 6-methoxytetrahydro-1-norharmanone (0.057%) were present in the extract. The results showed that the P. harmala extract (100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) were able to reduce the immobility time (80.20 ± 9.01, 46.80 ± 8.53; P < 0.001), the adrenocorticotropic hormone rate (131.33 ± 12.72, 49.72 ± 13.03; P < 0.001) and the defecation rate (1.400 ± 1.342, 0.600 ± 0.548; P < 0.01), respectively. ConclusionsThis indicates that the seeds extract can correct the depression and reach the normal state of the treated animals. The results demonstrated that seeds represented a source of indole alkaloids (harmaline, harmine and tetrahydroharmine).

The effect of some medical plants extracts on some physiological and biochemical parameters aspects in broiler.

The study carried out to investigate the effect of some medical plants extract on some blood physiological and biochemical parameters in broiler. One week age broiler chicken were divided into 6 groups (30 birds each),all groups was orally treated with( 1 ml/ Kg), the control group were orally treated with 1 ml of distal water. The 1 st group was orally treated of Peganum harmala extract with concentration 25 mg /ml‚ the 2nd group were orally treated of Datura innoxia extract with concentration 25mg /ml. the 3rd group were orally treated of Salicornia europaea with concentration 25mg /ml , the 4th group were orally treated of Cyperus rotundus extract with concentration 25mg /ml, the 5th group were orally treated of Matricaria chamomilia extract with concentration 25mg /ml The treatment continues for fourteen nine days period. The results showed a significant increase in serum total protein, globulin concentration in 1 st , 2nd, and 3rd groups compared with control, while all groups not a significant changes in serum albumin concentration . This was accompanied by a significant decrease in serum glucose , total cholesterol concentration in1 st, 2nd and 3rd groups and significant decrease in serum Triglycerides , VLDL-C concentration in1 st , 3rd , 4th , and 5th groups compared with control, while the treatments 2nd , 3rd , 4th , and 5th groups caused a significant increase in serum HDL-C concentration compared with control. While treatments in1 st, 2nd , and 5th groups showed a significant decrease in the serum LDL-C concentration The study concluded that‚ the extracts of this medical plants enhanced some physiological and biochemical parameters

Hepatoprotective activity of Peganum harmala against ethanol-induced liver damages in rats

In this study, we investigated the protective effects of Peganum harmala seeds extract (CPH) against chronic ethanol treatment. Hepatotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats by administrating ethanol 35% (4 g/kg/day) for 6 weeks. CPH was co-administered with ethanol, by intraperitonial (IP) injection, at a dose of 10 mg/kg bw/day. Control rats were injected by saline solution (NaCl 9‰). Chronic ethanol administration intensified lipid peroxidation monitored by an increase of TBARS level in liver. Ethanol treatment caused also a drastic alteration in antioxidant defence system; hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. A co-administration of CPH during ethanol treatment inhibited lipid peroxidation and improved antioxidants activities. However, treatment with P. harmala extract protects efficiently the hepatic function of alcoholic rats by the considerable decrease of aminotransferase contents in serum of ethanol-treated rats.