A case of beta-carboline alkaloid intoxication following ingestion of Peganum harmala seed extract.
Forensic science international August 6, 2008 Giampietro Frison, Donata Favretto, Flavio Zancanaro et al.
Beta-carboline alkaloids such as harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine, found in plants like Peganum harmala, Passiflora incarnata, and Banisteriopsis caapi, can stimulate the central nervous system by inhibiting amine neurotransmitter metabolism or directly interacting with receptors. Ingestion of preparations containing these alkaloids can cause toxic effects including hallucinations, ataxia, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and agitation. This report describes a case of intoxication after intentionally drinking an infusion of P. harmala seeds purchased online. The alkaloids were identified in the seed extract and the patient's urine via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, marking the first confirmed case of P. harmala intoxication with toxicological evidence.