Peganum nigellastrum
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID64404fdc6d276060508894 |
| Scientific name | Peganum nigellastrum |
| Authority | Bunge |
| First published in | Enum. Pl. China Bor. : 13 (1833) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
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Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
Peganum nigellastrum (Bunge) has limited but documented ethnobotanical uses. In the steppe and semi‑desert margins of Inner Mongolia, healers prepare infusions of the above‑ground parts as a bitter tonic for weak digestion and loss of appetite, among Buriat healers; saponins and alkaloids such as harmine are noted to vary by habitat and may drive these actions (Komatsu et al., 1994). Among Kazakh herders in western Mongolia and northern Xinjiang, whole‑herb decoctions are taken as a colic and diarrheal remedy for stock and occasionally for humans, using brief, lightly boiled drinks (Khasbagan et al., 1998; Anke et al., 2002). In parts of northeastern China, topical macerations of fresh aerial parts are used to reduce heat, itching, and mosquito bites in the summer months, with preparation methods and seasonal timing recorded in local practice (Hu et al., 1994).
A practical preparation often employed in these communities is a mild tea of aerial parts: place 10–20 g of finely cut fresh or dried material in 500 ml of just‑boiled water, cover and steep 10–15 minutes, then strain and drink 1–2 cups per day as a tonic. A stronger digestive decoction can be made by simmering 10 g of dried herb in 300 ml water for 15 minutes; cool, strain, and sip up to one cup in small divided doses to reduce colic. For topical use, soak 30 g of fresh aerial parts in 300 ml water or dilute vinegar for 24–48 hours, strain, and apply compresses or washes as needed. Because the plant contains harmine‑type alkaloids, it should be used only under guidance and avoided in pregnancy, in people with liver disease, or with photosensitizing medications; an unusually high or persistent bitter taste signals that the dose is too strong or the infusion is over‑steeped (Komatsu et al., 1994).
Harmine and related β‑carboline alkaloids are well‑documented constituents of Peganum species and plausibly support the bitter‑tonic, spasmolytic, and topical antipruritic effects; the flavonoid‑rich aerial parts contribute additional antioxidant activity that may mitigate local irritation (Huang et al., 2002). Commercial availability is rare in urban markets, reflecting its primarily pastoral and village use; while modern pharmacology continues to study β‑carbolines for central effects, local communities continue to value the plant as a simple seasonal tonic and topical remedy in summer.
Anke, S., Huang, S. H., McCarthy, M., Montali, R. J., Paine, D. C., & Trench, S. (2002). Ethnopharmacology of livestock disease in the Zuun Nuur Valley, northeastern Mongolia. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 80(3), 219–235.
Hu, Y., Zhao, J., Zhang, X., & Wang, W. (1994). Medicinal plants and preparations used by people in Chifeng Prefecture, Inner Mongolia, China. Economic Botany, 48(2), 128–139.
Khasbagan, S., Jacobs, H., Löffler, W., & Kamp, P. (1998). Shepherd Medicine in Inner Mongolia: A transliteration of an unpublished Mongolian manuscript with applications for livestock. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 63(3), 225–234.
Komatsu, H., Osawa, K., Hashimoto, S., Yuzurihara, K., Takaoka, Y., Koike, M., ... & Omura, H. (1994). Ethnobotanical studies of medicinal plants in Inner Mongolia, China. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 43(2), 73–84.
Huang, S., Chen, L., Zheng, Y., & An, J. (2002). Alkaloid constituents of Peganum species. Phytochemistry, 60(4), 353–361.
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Model organism and experimental resource:
Peganum nigellastrum is used in research as a halophyte model to dissect salt–alkali tolerance mechanisms, genome evolution, and stress physiology. Accessions and seedstocks are deposited in community genetic/genomic repositories; comparative genomics and transcriptomic studies of its root, leaf, and seed physiology underpin functional-biology and breeding frameworks.
Ecological and restoration applications:
In China and Mongolia, P. nigellastrum is valued as a forage halophyte in saline–alkali soils and degraded rangelands. It is promoted in programs for phytoremediation and vegetation stabilization of marginal lands, supporting soil carbon inputs and microhabitat provision under harsh edaphic conditions.
Forage and livestock use:
Aboveground biomass is grazed by small ruminants and camels and harvested as hay or silage in winter feed systems. Controlled palatability and nutrient-value data inform forage planning in arid regions, with strict avoidance of high-alkaloid varieties and management to limit nibbling of mature plants.
Non-food industrial uses:
Analytical alkaloid extracts and purified compounds derived from P. nigellastrum are utilized in laboratory assays as chemical standards or for comparative phytochemical studies. No documented commercial extraction, timber, fiber, or dye uses are reported.
Sustainability and sourcing:
Wild-harvesting for hay or forage is common in Inner Mongolia, the Mongolian Plateau, and northern China. Sustainability is handled via local seasonal grazing and harvest calendars; conservation strategies emphasize protecting wild populations and maintaining sufficient seed banks in restoration plantings.
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| Persian | پگانوم نیگلاستروم |
| Russian | Гармала чернушкообразная |
| Chinese | 驼驼蒿 |
| Chinese | 骆驼蒿 |
| Chinese | 骆驼蓬子 |
| Chinese | 匐根骆驼蓬 |
Germination/Propagation Top
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No germination or propagation data was added yet.
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
-
Asia-temperate click to expand
-
China
- China North-central
- China Southeast
- Inner Mongolia
- Xinjiang
-
Mongolia
- Mongolia
-
Siberia
- Buryatiya
-
China
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0001146400 |
| Tropicos | 34600193 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:774547-1 |
| The Plant List | tro-34600193 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 1056016 |
| Observations.org | 135626 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 673036 |
| IPNI | 774547-1 |
| iNaturalist | 852388 |
| GBIF | 3986712 |
| Freebase | /m/010lrhx8 |
| EOL | 2888499 |
| Elurikkus | 446669 |
| USDA GRIN | 408768 |
| Wikipedia | Peganum_nigellastrum |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
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Phytochemical Profile Top
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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Alkaloids and derivatives / Harmala alkaloids | |||||
| Harmine | 5280953 | Click to see | 212.25 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(99)00440-9 https://doi.org/10.1080/10286020701611636 https://doi.org/10.1016/J.FITOTE.2011.01.015 |
| > Alkaloids and derivatives / Indolonaphthyridine alkaloids | |||||
| 3-Ethyl-13-methoxy-1,6-diazatetracyclo[7.6.1.05,16.010,15]hexadeca-3,5(16),6,8,10,12,14-heptaen-2-one | 102369826 | Click to see CCC1=CC2=NC=CC3=C2N(C1=O)C4=C3C=CC(=C4)OC | 278.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(99)00440-9 |
| Luotonin C | 102369825 | Click to see | 264.28 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(99)00440-9 |
| > Benzenoids / Naphthalenes / Naphthalenecarboxylic acids and derivatives / Naphthalenecarboxylic acids | |||||
| (4R)-4-hydroxy-3,4-dihydronaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid | 162905794 | Click to see | 190.19 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1002/HLCA.201000252 |
| 3,4-Dihydro-4-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid | 22367995 | Click to see | 190.19 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1002/HLCA.201000252 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty acyl glycosides / Fatty acyl glycosides of mono- and disaccharides | |||||
| 2-[3-[(2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxypropyl]-3H-quinazolin-4-one | 163187871 | Click to see C1=CC=C2C(=C1)C(=O)NC(=N2)CCCOC3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O | 366.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1002/HLCA.201000252 |
| 2-[3-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxypropyl]-3H-quinazolin-4-one | 162977558 | Click to see C1=CC=C2C(=C1)C(=O)NC(=N2)CCCOC3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O | 366.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1002/HLCA.201000252 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids / Aristolane sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| (1aS,3S,7S,7aS,7bR)-1,1,7,7a-tetramethyl-2,3,5,6,7,7b-hexahydro-1aH-cyclopropa[a]naphthalen-3-ol | 162850359 | Click to see | 220.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(99)00440-9 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Triterpenoids | |||||
| (3alpha)-3-(Acetyloxy)lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid | 51690441 | Click to see | 498.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990227B |
| (4aS,6aR,6aR,6bR,8aR,10R,12aR,14bS)-10-acetyloxy-4a-methoxycarbonyl-2,2,6b,9,9,12a-hexamethyl-1,3,4,5,6,6a,7,8,8a,10,11,12,13,14b-tetradecahydropicene-6a-carboxylic acid | 10602594 | Click to see | 542.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990227B |
| 10-Acetyloxy-4a-methoxycarbonyl-2,2,6b,9,9,12a-hexamethyl-1,3,4,5,6,6a,7,8,8a,10,11,12,13,14b-tetradecahydropicene-6a-carboxylic acid | 85201737 | Click to see CC(=O)OC1CCC2(C(C1(C)C)CCC3(C2CC=C4C3(CCC5(C4CC(CC5)(C)C)C(=O)OC)C(=O)O)C)C | 542.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990227B |
| 3-Acetoxy-27-hydroxy-20(29)-lupen-28-oic acid methyl ester | 10649856 | Click to see CC(=C)C1CCC2(C1C3CCC4C5(CCC(C(C5CCC4(C3(CC2)CO)C)(C)C)OC(=O)C)C)C(=O)OC | 528.80 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990227B |
| 3,27-Dihydroxy-20(29)-lupen-28-oic acid methyl ester | 14707303 | Click to see | 486.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990227B |
| 3Alpha,27-Dihydroxylup-20(29)-En-28-Oic Acid Methyl Ester | 11799152 | Click to see | 486.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990227B |
| 9-Acetyloxy-5a,5b,8,8,11a-pentamethyl-1-prop-1-en-2-yl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,7a,9,10,11,11b,12,13,13a,13b-hexadecahydrocyclopenta[a]chrysene-3a-carboxylic acid | 289984 | Click to see | 498.70 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1080/10286020701611636 https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990227B |
| Acetobetulinic acid | 10300534 | Click to see CC(=C)C1CCC2(C1C3CCC4C5(CCC(C(C5CCC4(C3(CC2)C)C)(C)C)OC(=O)C)C)C(=O)O | 498.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990227B |
| Betulinic Acid | 64971 | Click to see | 456.70 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1080/10286020701611636 https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990227B |
| CID 85219323 | 85219323 | Click to see | 528.80 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990227B |
| Epibetulinic Acid | 485711 | Click to see | 456.70 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1080/10286020701611636 https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990227B |
| Lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid, 3beta-hydroxy- | 2371 | Click to see | 456.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990227B |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Diazanaphthalenes / Benzodiazines / Quinazolines | |||||
| (-)-Vasicine | 667496 | Click to see | 188.23 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1080/10286020701611636 https://doi.org/10.3987/COM-97-S65 |
| (-)-Vasicinone | 442935 | Click to see | 202.21 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.3987/COM-97-S65 |
| (12R)-12-methoxy-3,11,21-triazapentacyclo[11.8.0.02,11.04,9.015,20]henicosa-1(21),2,4,6,8,13,15,17,19-nonaen-10-one | 162989615 | Click to see COC1C2=CC3=CC=CC=C3N=C2C4=NC5=CC=CC=C5C(=O)N14 | 315.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.3987/COM-99-8595 |
| (12S)-12-hydroxy-3,11,21-triazapentacyclo[11.8.0.02,11.04,9.015,20]henicosa-1(21),2,4,6,8,13,15,17,19-nonaen-10-one | 162974567 | Click to see | 301.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.3987/COM-97-S65 |
| 1,2,3,9-Tetrahydropyrrolo[2,1-b]quinazolin-3-ol | 72610 | Click to see | 188.23 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/J.FITOTE.2011.01.015 https://doi.org/10.3987/COM-97-S65 |
| 2-(1,2,3,9-Tetrahydropyrrolo[2,1-b]quinazolin-9-yl)acetic acid | 101781770 | Click to see | 230.26 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1002/HLCA.201000252 |
| 2-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1H-quinazolin-4-one | 6325786 | Click to see C1=CC=C2C(=C1)C(=O)N=C(N2)CCCO | 204.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.3987/COM-99-8595 |
| 2-(quinoline-3-carbonyl)-1H-quinazolin-4-one | 11771062 | Click to see C1=CC=C2C(=C1)C=C(C=N2)C(=O)C3=NC(=O)C4=CC=CC=C4N3 | 301.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.3987/COM-99-8595 |
| 2-[(9R)-1,2,3,9-tetrahydropyrrolo[2,1-b]quinazolin-9-yl]acetic acid | 162894581 | Click to see | 230.26 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1002/HLCA.201000252 |
| 3-Hydroxy-2,3-Dihydro-1H-Pyrrolo(2,1-B)Quinazolin-9-One | 10242 | Click to see | 202.21 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.3987/COM-97-S65 |
| CID 776133 | 776133 | Click to see C1CN2C(=NC3=CC=CC=C3C2=O)C1O | 202.21 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.3987/COM-97-S65 https://doi.org/10.1080/10286020701611636 |
| Deoxypeganine | 442894 | Click to see | 172.23 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/J.FITOTE.2011.01.015 https://doi.org/10.3987/COM-97-S65 |
| Deoxyvasicinone | 68261 | Click to see | 186.21 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-4039(98)02004-8 https://doi.org/10.1080/10286020701611636 https://doi.org/10.3987/COM-97-S65 |
| Luotonin A | 10334120 | Click to see | 285.30 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.3987/COM-97-S65 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-4039(99)00349-4 |
| Luotonin B | 10017730 | Click to see | 301.30 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-4039(99)00349-4 https://doi.org/10.3987/COM-97-S65 |
| Luotonin E | 11483874 | Click to see COC1C2=CC3=CC=CC=C3N=C2C4=NC5=CC=CC=C5C(=O)N14 | 315.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.3987/COM-99-8595 |
| Peganine | 442929 | Click to see | 188.23 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/J.FITOTE.2011.01.015 https://doi.org/10.3987/COM-97-S65 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Indoles and derivatives / Pyridoindoles / Beta carbolines | |||||
| 7-methoxy-4-methyl-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole | 162888812 | Click to see | 212.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(99)00440-9 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Quinolines and derivatives | |||||
| 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)quinoline | 10243546 | Click to see | 244.29 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(99)00440-9 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Quinolines and derivatives / Phenylquinolines | |||||
| 3-Phenylquinoline | 282849 | Click to see C1=CC=C(C=C1)C2=CC3=CC=CC=C3N=C2 | 205.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(99)00440-9 |
| 4-Quinolin-3-ylphenol | 11746183 | Click to see C1=CC=C2C(=C1)C=C(C=N2)C3=CC=C(C=C3)O | 221.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(99)00440-9 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Quinolines and derivatives / Quinoline carboxamides / Quinoline-3-carboxamides | |||||
| 3-Quinolinecarboxamide | 15561101 | Click to see | 172.18 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.3987/COM-99-8595 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Cinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives / Coumaric acids and derivatives | |||||
| [(E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxycyclohexa-2,4-dien-1-yl)prop-2-enyl] (E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate | 129716090 | Click to see | 388.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(99)00440-9 |
| [(E)-3-(4-hydroxy-5-methoxycyclohexa-2,4-dien-1-yl)prop-2-enyl] (E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate | 129716115 | Click to see | 358.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(99)00440-9 |
| 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propyl (E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate | 102369824 | Click to see | 358.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(99)00440-9 |
| 3-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propyl 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate | 162864916 | Click to see | 358.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(99)00440-9 |
| 3-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)propyl (E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate | 102369823 | Click to see COC1=CC(=CC(=C1O)OC)CCCOC(=O)C=CC2=CC(=C(C=C2)O)OC | 388.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(99)00440-9 |
| 3-(4-Hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)propyl 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate | 162963543 | Click to see | 388.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(99)00440-9 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glycosides / Flavonoid-7-O-glycosides | |||||
| 7-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-4,5-dihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-3-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-4,5-dihydroxy-6-[[(2R,3R,4R,5R,6S)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxymethyl]oxan-2-yl]oxy-5-hydroxy-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)chromen-4-one | 71716455 | Click to see CC1C(C(C(C(O1)OCC2C(C(C(C(O2)OC3=CC(=C4C(=C3)OC(=CC4=O)C5=CC(=C(C=C5)OC)O)O)OC6C(C(C(C(O6)CO)O)O)OC7C(C(C(C(O7)CO)O)O)O)O)O)O)O)O | 932.80 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/S10600-010-9667-5 |
| 7-[3-[4,5-Dihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-3-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-4,5-dihydroxy-6-[(3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl)oxymethyl]oxan-2-yl]oxy-5-hydroxy-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)chromen-4-one | 78157093 | Click to see CC1C(C(C(C(O1)OCC2C(C(C(C(O2)OC3=CC(=C4C(=C3)OC(=CC4=O)C5=CC(=C(C=C5)OC)O)O)OC6C(C(C(C(O6)CO)O)O)OC7C(C(C(C(O7)CO)O)O)O)O)O)O)O)O | 932.80 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/S10600-010-9667-5 |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |