Citation

Sadr Mohammadi R, Bidaki R, Mirdrikvand F, Mostafavi Yazdi SN, Yazdian Anari P. Emergency (Tehran, Iran) 2016; 4(2): 106-107.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

Peganum harmala commonly known as Syrian Rue or "Aspand" is widely used in middle East and North Africa. Various parts of harmala are used in traditional medicine. The pharmacologically active compounds of this herb are several alkaloids, which are found especially in the seeds and roots. It was used as sedative in restless and agitated patients. Its seeds are known to possess hypothermic, hallucinogenic and anti-oxidative properties. There are several reports in the literature indicating a great variety of pharmacological effects for this plant such as sedative anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral and antiprotozoal. It is also used illegally as an abortifacient agent. Aspand intoxication is among very rare causes of intoxication, with a mortality rate of about 6%. Nevertheless in some countries, it makes up 4.6% of all plant intoxications. Ingestion is the main route of intoxication, but inhalation and fumigation are also mentioned. There are few studies on related symptoms following consumption and intoxication with Aspand. Here we report a case of harmala intoxication presented to emergency department with psychiatric complaint.

Language: en