# Peganine **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/peganine **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-31 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** vasicine, quinazoline alkaloid, Justicia adhatoda alkaloid, Peganum harmala alkaloid, Malabar nut alkaloid, C₁₁H₁₂N₂O ## Overview Peganine is a β-carboline alkaloid found in Peganum harmala that activates the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which regulates cell survival and [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). This compound demonstrates preliminary [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and antibacterial activities in laboratory studies. ## Health Benefits • Activates PI3K/Akt signaling pathway (mechanism identified, no clinical trials available) • Exhibits [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (preliminary evidence only) • Shows antibacterial properties as a bacterial inhibitor (preliminary evidence only) • Limited evidence - no human clinical trials identified in current research • Further clinical research needed to confirm health benefits ## Mechanism of Action Peganine activates the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, which promotes cell survival, [glucose metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), and protein synthesis. The compound also exhibits [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress markers. Its antibacterial properties involve inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis and disruption of membrane integrity. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence for peganine consists entirely of laboratory and animal studies, with no human clinical trials available. Preliminary in vitro studies demonstrate [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and bacterial growth inhibition, but specific dosages and therapeutic concentrations have not been established. The PI3K/Akt pathway activation has been confirmed through mechanistic studies, though clinical relevance remains unproven. More research is needed to determine safety, efficacy, and appropriate dosing in humans. ## Nutritional Profile Peganine (also known as vasicine) is a quinazoline alkaloid compound, not a nutritional ingredient — it contains no macronutrients (0g protein, 0g fat, 0g carbohydrates), no dietary fiber, no vitamins, and no minerals in any nutritionally relevant sense. It is a pure bioactive alkaloid with molecular formula C11H12N2O and molecular weight of approximately 188.23 g/mol. As an isolated compound, it does not contribute caloric value. The primary bioactive constituents are the quinazoline ring structure responsible for its pharmacological activity, including PI3K/Akt pathway activation. Peganine is derived naturally from Peganum harmala (Syrian rue) and Adhatoda vasica (Malabar nut), where it typically occurs at concentrations of 0.5–1.5% dry weight in plant material alongside related alkaloids vasicinone and deoxyvasicine. Bioavailability data in humans is largely absent; animal studies suggest moderate oral absorption with hepatic first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). Antioxidant activity has been measured in vitro with modest [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing capacity, though no standardized ORAC or DPPH values have been confirmed in peer-reviewed human studies. Antibacterial properties have been demonstrated against select gram-positive and gram-negative strains in vitro at concentrations of 50–200 µg/mL (MIC range), but clinical translation remains unestablished. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges have been established for peganine in any form (extract, powder, or standardized preparations). Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data for peganine supplementation in humans is currently unavailable due to lack of clinical trials. As a β-carboline alkaloid, peganine may potentially interact with monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes, which could affect medications metabolized by these pathways. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established, so use should be avoided during these periods. Individuals taking antidepressants, [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) medications, or other prescription drugs should consult healthcare providers before use. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses specifically on peganine were identified in the available research. The current evidence is limited to basic chemical characterization and preliminary mechanistic studies. ## Historical & Cultural Context While the source plant Justicia adhatoda has associations with traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, the research dossier does not provide specific details about the historical or traditional uses of peganine itself. Duration of traditional use is not documented in the available sources. ## Synergistic Combinations Insufficient research to recommend synergistic combinations ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What foods contain peganine naturally? Peganine is primarily found in Peganum harmala (Syrian rue or wild rue) seeds and leaves. This plant is native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia, where it has been used traditionally in folk medicine. ### How does peganine activate the PI3K/Akt pathway? Peganine binds to and activates phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), which then phosphorylates phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate to generate PIP3. This leads to Akt protein kinase activation, promoting cell survival and metabolic regulation. ### What is the recommended dosage for peganine supplements? No standardized dosage recommendations exist for peganine due to lack of human clinical trials. Laboratory studies have used varying concentrations, but therapeutic doses and safety limits have not been established for human consumption. ### Can peganine supplements cause side effects? Potential side effects are unknown since human safety studies have not been conducted. As a β-carboline alkaloid, peganine may cause neurological effects or interact with medications, but specific adverse reactions require clinical investigation. ### Is peganine the same as harmine or harmaline? No, peganine is a distinct β-carboline alkaloid with different molecular structure and properties than harmine and harmaline. While all three compounds are found in Peganum harmala, they have unique pharmacological profiles and mechanisms of action. ### What does current research reveal about peganine's safety and efficacy in humans? Current research on peganine is limited to preliminary in vitro and animal studies; no human clinical trials have been conducted to date. While laboratory evidence suggests potential antioxidant, antibacterial, and PI3K/Akt pathway activation properties, these findings cannot yet be extrapolated to human health outcomes. Significant further clinical research is needed before peganine can be recommended for therapeutic use based on established safety and efficacy data. ### Does peganine interact with common medications or pharmaceutical drugs? Specific drug interaction data for peganine in humans is not available due to the absence of clinical trials and limited pharmacokinetic research. Because peganine activates the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, there is theoretical potential for interactions with medications affecting cell signaling, glucose metabolism, or immune function, though this remains unconfirmed. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential before combining peganine supplements with any prescription or over-the-counter medications. ### Is peganine suitable for pregnant women, children, or elderly individuals? Safety data for peganine in pregnant women, children, and elderly populations is completely absent due to lack of human clinical studies. Until rigorous safety evaluations are conducted in these vulnerable populations, peganine supplementation cannot be recommended for pregnancy, pediatric use, or geriatric applications. Medical supervision and professional guidance are necessary before considering peganine use in these groups. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*