[Radioprotective effect of gamma-harmine and its carboline analogues]

gamma-Harmine (I), harmine (II) and harmaline (III) were isolated from Peganum harmala L. (Zygophylaceae). Tests were conducted with mice to detect whether gamma-harmine (a new compound), harmine, harmol (IV) and harmalol (V) are effective radioprotective compounds against gamma-ray irradiation. Intraperitoneal injection of the hydrochlorides of the four alkaloids 50-80 mg.kg-1 X 1 in NIH male mice 30-45 minutes before 8.6-9.7 Gy whole body 60Co irradiation significantly increased the survival effects (1.33-2.61) and 30-day survival survival rate in comparison with control mice. The results indicate that gamma-harmine exhibited relatively good radioprotective effect. gamma-harmine is the first alkaloid isolated from a plant having protective effects against whole-body lethal irradiation in mice.