Comprehensive Overview of Harmala Alkaloids: Effects, Sources, and Legal Status


Table of Contents


  • Subjective Effects
    • Physical Effects
    • Visual Effects
    • Cognitive Effects
    • Auditory Effects
  • Experience Reports
  • Natural Sources of Harmala Alkaloids
    • Banisteriopsis Caapi
    • Peganum Harmala (Syrian Rue)
  • Extraction Methods
  • Drug Interactions
  • Lethal Dosage
  • Tolerance and Addiction Potential
  • Legal Status



Subjective Effects


Harmala alkaloids are psychoactive compounds found in several plants, such as Peganum harmala (Syrian rue) and Banisteriopsis caapi, and are known for their distinct physical, visual, cognitive, and auditory effects. These effects can vary depending on dosage and individual sensitivity.


Physical Effects


The physical effects of harmala alkaloids can be quite pronounced, especially when consumed in high doses. Common physical effects include:


  • Abnormal Heartbeat: Some users report irregular heart rhythms.
  • Appetite Suppression: A decrease in hunger is often noted.
  • Changes in Gravity: A sensation of altered weight or gravity, making the user feel light or heavy.
  • Diarrhea: More common with higher doses and when the seeds are consumed without extraction, as the alkaloids may irritate the digestive system.
  • Dizziness: A feeling of lightheadedness or vertigo can occur.
  • Increased Heart Rate: The stimulant-like effects may cause the heart to beat faster.
  • Nausea: Some individuals experience gastrointestinal discomfort.
  • Pupil Dilation: Enlargement of the pupils can occur, similar to the effects of other psychedelics.
  • Increased Salivation: Saliva production may increase during the experience.
  • Vasodilation: Widening of blood vessels, often leading to a sense of warmth or redness in the skin.


Visual Effects


Harmala alkaloids can significantly affect vision, especially when taken in combination with other substances, such as DMT or psilocybin. These effects include:


  • Pattern Recognition Enhancement: The ability to see and interpret patterns in everyday objects or visual stimuli.
  • Tracers: Movement may appear to leave trails or afterimages.
  • Vibrating Vision: Some individuals report their vision feeling distorted or oscillating.
  • Color Enhancement: Colors may appear more vibrant and intense.


Hallucinatory States


  • Internal Hallucination: These may involve vivid visual and mental imagery, often subjective and internalized.
  • Entity Contact: Some users report encounters with non-human entities or beings during their experiences.


Cognitive Effects


Harmala alkaloids also influence mental processes, leading to various cognitive shifts:


  • Anxiety: For some users, the experience may be anxiety-inducing.
  • Confusion: Difficulty in processing thoughts or maintaining clear thinking.
  • Dream Potentiation: Harmala alkaloids can intensify dream states and lead to more vivid and memorable dreams.
  • Time Distortion: A common effect of many psychedelics, users often report a warped sense of time.
  • Creativity: Enhanced creativity is often noted, particularly in problem-solving or artistic endeavors.
  • Conceptual Thinking: These compounds may facilitate complex thought processes or deep introspection.


Auditory Effects


  • Distortions: Harmala alkaloids can cause auditory distortions, including ringing in the ears, a common occurrence during use.



Experience Reports


Anecdotal reports from users provide detailed accounts of the effects of harmala alkaloids, including:


  • Experience: 2 grams Psilocybe Cubensis + 2.7 grams Syrian Rue: This combination, sometimes referred to as "Psilohuasca," is known for potent effects and unique experiences.
  • Experience: 2.5g Peganum Harmala + 250µg LSD: A combination described as “Ecstasy of Love and Misanthropy,” resulting in intense, multifaceted experiences.
  • Experience: 40mg + Syrian Rue (unknown dosage): A personal account of a challenging trip that highlights the complexity and potential for intense experiences.
  • Experience: 40mg + Syrian Rue (3g): Another report of an impactful, transformative experience that suggests potential therapeutic outcomes.



Natural Sources of Harmala Alkaloids


Harmala alkaloids are primarily found in two plant species: Banisteriopsis caapi and Peganum harmala.


Banisteriopsis Caapi


Banisteriopsis caapi is a jungle vine found in South America, and it plays a crucial role in the preparation of ayahuasca, a traditional entheogenic brew. This vine contains three primary alkaloids:


  • Harmine: 0.31-8.43% of the plant's composition.
  • Harmaline: 0.03-0.83%.
  • Tetrahydroharmine: 0.05-2.94%.


Additionally, the vine contains proanthocyanidins, lesser-known MAOIs, such as (−)-epicatechin and (−)-procyanidins, which may also contribute to its psychoactive effects.


Peganum Harmala (Syrian Rue)


Peganum harmala, also known as Syrian rue, is a plant native to regions from Iran to India but has since spread to places like Arizona, California, and Texas. The seeds of Syrian rue are known for containing significant amounts of harmala alkaloids and are legal to purchase online. The seeds are particularly potent in their role as reversible inhibitors of MAO-A (RIMA), with doses typically ranging from 2 to 5 grams for psychoactive effects. The total harmala alkaloids in the seeds can be as high as 5.9% by weight.



Extraction Methods


While ground seeds can be consumed, extracting the alkaloids from Peganum harmala is a more efficient method for ensuring reliable psychoactive effects. This can be achieved through brewing the seeds for at least 30 minutes, which allows the alkaloids to dissolve in solution. Key factors to enhance extraction include:


  • Acidifying the water: Helps to extract more alkaloids.
  • Using stronger solvents: May increase the efficiency of the extraction.
  • Higher temperatures: Heat can speed up the extraction process.
  • Increased water volume: Maximizes the concentration gradient, aiding in the dissolution of alkaloids.



Drug Interactions


MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) like harmala alkaloids interact dangerously with many substances. These interactions can lead to serotonin syndrome or a hypertensive crisis, especially when combined with:


  • Antidepressants: Particularly SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs.
  • Stimulants: Including amphetamines, methamphetamines, and cocaine.
  • Migraine medications: Such as triptans.
  • Cold medications: Including decongestants, antihistamines, and cough syrups.
  • Caffeine: Can exacerbate the effects of MAOIs.
  • Nicotine: Often potentiates effects when combined with MAOIs.


Furthermore, combining harmala alkaloids with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) can lead to cholinergic crises, which are dangerous and potentially fatal.



Lethal Dosage


In animal studies, the LD50 (lethal dose for 50% of the population) of harmine has been found to be 38mg/kg when administered intravenously to mice. However, there is no known data on lethal doses for humans or for the other harmala alkaloids. It is essential to practice harm reduction and use caution when experimenting with these substances.



Tolerance and Addiction Potential


There are no significant reports of tolerance buildup or addiction associated with harmala alkaloid use. Regular use does not appear to lead to a diminished response, and the substances are generally considered non-addictive.



Legal Status


The legal status of harmala alkaloids varies by country:


  • Australia: Harmala alkaloids are classified as Schedule 9 drugs under the Poisons Standard, making them illegal except in certain therapeutic preparations.
  • Canada: These compounds are Schedule III controlled substances.
  • France: Possession and sale of harmala alkaloids are illegal.


In most parts of the world, Peganum harmala and Banisteriopsis caapi are legal to grow and possess, though the use of harmala alkaloids in combination with other substances may be restricted or regulated.