Is Syrian rue considered a psychedelic?

Syrian Rue: Psychedelic Properties and Health Risks

Syrian rue (Peganum harmala) is a psychedelic substance with hallucinogenic properties, particularly when consumed in moderate to high doses or when combined with other psychoactive substances.

Pharmacological Properties and Classification

Syrian rue contains beta-carboline alkaloids, primarily:

• Harmine
• Harmaline
• Harmol
• Harmalol
• Harmane
• Norharmane 1

These alkaloids function as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), specifically reversible MAO-A inhibitors 2. This pharmacological action is central to their psychoactive effects.

Psychedelic Effects

Syrian rue produces psychoactive effects through multiple mechanisms:

• At low doses (3-4g of seeds when eaten): Stimulant and hallucinogenic effects 3
• At higher doses: More pronounced psychedelic and hallucinogenic effects
• When combined with DMT-containing plants: Enhanced and prolonged psychedelic experiences 4

The Society for Integrative Oncology and ASCO specifically categorize substances like Syrian rue under "psychedelic-assisted therapy" alongside other psychedelics such as LSD, MDMA, ketamine, and psilocybin 5.

Clinical Evidence of Psychedelic Properties

Several case reports confirm the psychedelic nature of Syrian rue:

1. A case report documented life-threatening poisoning in a 41-year-old female who consumed approximately 100g of P. harmala seeds (10-20 times the recommended dose), resulting in unconsciousness, hypertension, tachycardia, and elevated hepatic and renal markers 3.

2. Another report described two patients who developed DMT poisoning after consuming an herbal stew containing Syrian rue seeds and Acacia tree bark, presenting with sympathomimetic toxicity 4. The interaction between Syrian rue's MAOI alkaloids and DMT from Acacia bark produced powerful psychedelic effects.

Contextual Use and Recognition

Syrian rue is recognized in medical literature as a hallucinogenic plant used for its psychoactive properties:

• It's classified among hallucinogenic plants and mushrooms in clinical toxicology literature 6
• It's used in traditional preparations like ayahuasca, where its MAOI properties enhance the effects of DMT-containing plants 6
• It's specifically sought for recreational or ritual use due to its psychoactive properties 1

Health Risks and Safety Concerns

The psychedelic properties of Syrian rue come with significant health risks:

• High doses can be life-threatening, causing unconsciousness, cardiovascular effects, and organ damage 3
• The MAOI properties can interact dangerously with medications and certain foods
• When combined with DMT-containing plants, it can precipitate severe sympathomimetic syndrome 4
• The variable alkaloid content in natural sources makes dosing unpredictable 1

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware that:

• Syrian rue is used specifically for its psychedelic effects
• It poses significant health risks, especially at high doses or in combinations
• Patients presenting with unexplained sympathomimetic toxicity may have consumed Syrian rue
• Treatment is primarily supportive, focusing on stabilizing vital signs and managing organ dysfunction 3

Syrian rue should be recognized as a psychedelic substance with potential for both therapeutic applications (under controlled conditions) and significant health risks when misused.