Description:

Peganum harmala, commonly called Esfand, wild rue, Syrian rue,African rue, or harmal, is a plant of the family Nitrariaceae. Itis native from the eastern Iranian region west to India. Its commonnames refer to its resemblance to rue (which is not related).
Peganum harmala is used as an analgesic and antiinflammatoryagent.
It has antiprotozoal and anti cancer properties
In Yemen, it was used to treat depression, and it has beenestablished in the laboratory that harmaline, an active ingredientin P. harmala, is a central nervous system stimulant and a"reversible inhibitor of MAO-A (RIMA), " a category ofantidepressant.
Peganum harmalaSmoke from the seeds kills algae, bacteria,intestinal parasites and molds. Peganum harmala has "antibacterialactivity, " including antibacterial activity against drug-resistantbacteria.

The "root is applied to kill lice" and when burned, the seeds killinsects. It also inhibits the reproduction of the Triboliumcastaneum beetle.

It is also used as an anthelmintic (to expel parasiticworms).Reportedly, the ancient Greeks used the powdered seeds toget rid of tapeworms and to treat recurring fevers (possiblymalaria).

Peganum harmala is an abortifacient, and, in large quantities, itcan reduce spermatogenesis and male fertility in rats.

It is given in a decoction for laryngitis