Peganum harmala seed extract has been frequently reported to posses antibacterial potential through invivo studies. Peganum harmala L. (Zygophyllaceae) is one of the most famous medicinal plants used in traditional medicine of Iraq. The harmaline, harmalol and harmine exerted many pharmacodynemic effect on the central nervous system, ranged between stimulation and depression depending on the dose. Peganum harmala indicate great variety of pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, antitumor, antinociceptive and monoamine oxidase(MNO) inhibitory activities. The most important compotent-from Peganum harmala seed are harmaline, vasicinone and deoxyrsinone. The antibacterial, effect of Peganum harmala was studied. The antibacterial, activity of aqueous extracts was determined by agar well diffusion method. It inhibited the growth of E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus. All animal injected with the 100 mg/kg b. w of aqueous extract of Peganum harmala show myorelaxation or incordinaton , so animals dropped down from the wire 3 consecutive time in 60 sec. Aqueous extract of Peganum harmala also induced muscle relaxation and prolonged the sleeping time induced by pentoparpitol. These data suggest that Peganum harmala extract could inhibit the growth of S.aureus and E.coli strain invitro and this activity may contribute to its chemopreventive effect.

Keywords: Antibacterial, Muscle relaxant,Hypnotic, Peganum harmala.