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Development and Validation of a Simple HPLC-UV Method for Analysis of Harmine

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 4, 1096 - 1102, 15.07.2025

Abstract

In this study, a rapid, simple, and sensitive HPLC-UV method was developed and validated in accordance with ICH Q2 (R1) guideline for the quantitative analysis of harmine (HRM), a main β-carboline alkaloid found in the Peganum harmala (Uzerlik) plant. The method was established based on the UV spectral analysis, which indicated maximum absorbance for HRM at 243 nm. A mixture of methanol and ultrapure water containing 1% formic acid (50:50, v/v) was selected as the mobile phase. In the separation carried out under isocratic conditions, the retention time of HRM was determined as 5.5 min, and the entire analysis was completed in under 8 min. The method demonstrated excellent linearity within the concentration range of 1–36 µg/mL, with a correlation coefficient (R²) of 0.99998. The accuracy and precision parameters of the method were found to be within acceptable limits, with relative error (RE) and relative standard deviation (RSD%) both below 2. The limits of detection and quantification (LOD and LOQ) were 0.269 µg/mL and 0.816 µg/mL, respectively. Also, it was determined that HRM standard solutions were stable for up to 7 days when stored at different temperatures (−20°C, 2–8°C, 25°C). In conclusion, this method offers a reliable alternative for the quantitative determination of HRM with high analytical quality, reproducibility, and short time. It can be widely used in routine laboratory practices for the monitoring of HRM in pure form and in various pharmaceutical formulations.

Ethical Statement

.

Supporting Institution

Atatürk University

Project Number

THD-2021-10248

Thanks

Atatürk University Scientific Research Foundation

References

  • Akhtar MS, Iqbal Z, Khan MN, Lateef M. 2000. Anthelmintic activity of medicinal plants with particular reference to their use in animals in the Indo–Pakistan subcontinent. Small Rumin Res, 38(2): 99-107.
  • Ali AH. 2022. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC): A review. Ann Adv Chem, 6(1): 010-020.
  • Al-Shami N, Naseef H, Moqadi R, Kanaze F. 2024. HPLC method development and validation for the determination of apixaban and clopidogrel in novel fixed-dose combination tablets. J Chem, 2024(1): 2675736.
  • Astulla A, Zaima K, Matsuno Y, Hirasawa Y, Ekasari W, Widyawaruyanti A, Zaini NC, Morita H. 2008. Alkaloids from the seeds of Peganum harmala showing antiplasmodial and vasorelaxant activities. J Nat Med, 62(4): 470-472.
  • Ayoub MT, Rashan LJ, Khazraji AT, Adaay MH. 1989. An oxamide from Peganum harmala seeds. Phytochemistry, 28(7): 2000-2001.
  • Bei YY, Zhou XF, You BG, Yuan ZQ, Chen WL, Xia P, Liu Y, Jin Y, Hu XJ, Zhu QL, Zhang CG, Zhang XN, Zhang L. 2013. Application of the central composite design to optimize the preparation of novel micelles of harmine. International J Nanomed, 8: 1795-1808.
  • Berrougui H, Martín-Cordero C, Khalil A, Hmamouchi M, Ettaib A, Marhuenda E, Herrera MD. 2006. Vasorelaxant effects of harmine and harmaline extracted from Peganum harmala L. seeds in isolated rat aorta. Pharmacol Res, 54(2): 150-157.
  • Bhujbal S, Rupenthal ID, Agarwal P. 2024. Development and validation of a stability-indicating HPLC method for assay of tonabersat in pharmaceutical formulations. Methods, 231: 178-185.
  • Bnouham M, Mekhfi H, Legssyer A, Ziyyat A. 2002. Fas’ta diyabet tedavisinde kullanılan şifalı bitkiler. Int J Diyabet Metb, 10: 33-50.
  • Chatterjee A, Ganguly M. 1968. Alkaloidal constituents of Peganum harmala and synthesis of the minor alkaloid deoxyvascinone. Phytochemistry, 7(2): 307-311.
  • Coode MJE. 1967. Peganum harmala. In Flora of Turkey and The East Aegean Islands. London, Edinburg University Press, 2nd Ed., pp: 494.
  • Drugfuture. Harmine. 2022. URL: https://www.drugfuture.com/chemdata/harmine.html (accessed date: June 21, 2022).
  • Faramarzi M, Venus M, Amini M, Rouini M. 2008. Determination of harmine and harmaline in Peganum harmala seeds by high-performance liquid chromatography. J Appl Sci, 8(9): 1761-1765.
  • Hamden K, Carreau S, Ayadi F, Masmoudi H, El-Feki A. 2009. Inhibitory effect of estrogens, phytoestrogens, and caloric restriction on oxidative stress and hepato-toxicity in aged rats. Biomed Enviro Sci: BES, 22(5): 381-387.
  • Hamden K, Silandre D, Delalande C, Elfeki A, Carreau S. 2008. Protective effects of estrogens and caloric restriction during aging on various rat testis parameters. Asian J Androl, 10(6): 837-845.
  • ICH Q1A (R2). 2003. Harmonised tripartite guideline: Stability testing of new drug substances and products Q1A (R2).
  • ICH Topic Q2 (R1). 2006. Validation of Analytical Procedures: Text and Methodology. URL: http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Scientific_guideline/2009/09/WC500002662.pdf (accessed date: July 7, 2018).
  • Kandilli B, Uğur AB, Çetin M, Miloğlu FD. 2018. A simple HPLC-UV method for simultaneous determination of levetiracetam and carbamazepine. Hacettepe University J Fac Pharm, 38(2): 58-64.
  • Kara M. 2011. Üzerlik (Peganum harmala L.) bitki ekstraktının buğday (Triticum vulgare L.) ve semizotu (Portulaca oleraceae L.) bitkilerinin gelişimi üzerine etkilerinin araştırılması. MSc Thesis, Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi, Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Biyoloji Anabilim Dalı, Van, Türkiye, pp: [eksik].
  • Kartal M, Altun ML, Kurucu S. 2003. HPLC method for the analysis of harmol, harmalol, harmine and harmaline in the seeds of Peganum harmala L. J Pharm Biomed Anal, 31(2): 263-269.
  • Le THH, Phung TH, Le DC. 2019. Development and validation of an HPLC method for simultaneous assay of potassium guaiacolsulfonate and sodium benzoate in pediatric oral powder. J Anal Methods Chem, 2019: 6143061.
  • Mahmoudian M, Jalilpour H, Salehian P. 2002. Toxicity of Peganum harmala: Review and a case method. Iranian J Pharmacol Therapeut, 1: 1-4.
  • Mortazavi N, Heidari M, Rabiei Z, Enferadi ST, Monazzah M. 2021. Loading harmine on nanographene changes the inhibitory effects of free harmine against MCF-7 and fibroblast cells. Med Chem Res, 30(5): 1108-1116.
  • Mowafy HA, Alanazi FK, El-Maghraby GM. 2012. Development and validation of an HPLC-UV method for the quantification of carbamazepine in rabbit plasma. Saudi Pharma J, 20(1): 29-34.
  • Nafisi S, Panahyab A, Bagheri Sadeghi G. 2012. Interactions between β-carboline alkaloids and bovine serum albumin: Investigation by spectroscopic approach. J Lumin, 132(9): 2361-2366.
  • Nenaah G. 2010. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of (beta)-carboline alkaloids of Peganum harmala (L) seeds and their combination effects. Fitoterapia, 81(7): 779-782.
  • Osel N, Planinšek Parfant T, Kristl A, Roškar R. 2021. Stability-indicating analytical approach for stability evaluation of lactoferrin. Pharmaceutics, 13(7): 1065.
  • Patel K, Gadewar M, Tripathi R, Prasad S, Patel DK. 2012. A review on medicinal importance, pharmacological activity and bioanalytical aspects of beta-carboline alkaloid ‘“Harmine.”’ Asian Pac J Trop Biomed, 2(8): 660-664.
  • Pour AB, Moghadar N. 2012. Larval effect of extract of harmine and harmalin from Peganum harmala on juvenile of Protostrongylus rufescens. Res Pharm Sci, 7(5): 63.
  • Prashanth D, John S. 1999. Antibacterial activity of Peganum harmala. Fitoterapia, 70(4): 438-439.
  • Rharrabe K, Bakrim A, Ghailani N, Sayah F. 2007. Bioinsecticidal effect of harmaline on Plodia interpunctella development (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Pesticide Biochem Physiol, 89(2): 137-145.
  • Robinson JW. 2019. Ultraviolet Absorption Spectroscopy. In: Robinson JW, editor. Handbook of Spectroscopy: Volume II. CRC Press, e-book, 168 p.
  • Saadabadi A. 2006. Antifungal activity of some Saudi plants used in traditional medicine. Asian J Plant Sci, 5(5): 907-909.
  • Shabir GA. 2003. Validation of high-performance liquid chromatography methods for pharmaceutical analysis. J Chromatogr A, 987(1-2): 57-66.
  • Siddiqui S, Khan O, Faizi S, Siddiqui B. 1988. Studies on the chemical constituents of the seeds of P. harmala: Isolation and structure elucidation of two ß-Carboline lactams-harmalanine and harmalanidine. Heterocycles, 27: 1401-1410.
  • Siddiqui S, Khan O, Faizi S, Siddiqui B. 1987. Studies on the chemical constituents of the seed of P. harmala isolation and structure of a new-ß-Carboline Alkaloid. Heterocycles, 26: 1563-1567.
  • Siddiqui S, Khan O, Faizi S, Siddiqui B. 1989. Studies on the chemical constituents of the seed of P. harmala: Isolation and structure elucidation of two ß-Carbolines-harmalinine and norharmine. Heterocycles, 29: 521-527.
  • Spectrabase. Harmine-UV-VIS -Spectrum-SpectraBase. 2022. URL: https://spectrabase.com/spectrum/Jz2mr01EJRq (accessed date: June 21, 2022).
  • Ugur Kaplan AB, Cetin M. 2023. Development of a simple isocratic HPLC-UV method for the simultaneous analysis of repaglinide and metformin hydrochloride in nanoemulsion formulations and commercial tablets. Pharm Chem J, 57(2): 318-326.
  • Wang P, Alvarez-Perez JC, Felsenfeld DP, Liu H, Sivendran S, Bender A, Kumar A, Sanchez R, Scott DK, Garcia-Ocaña A, Stewart AF. 2015. A high-throughput chemical screen reveals that harmine-mediated inhibition of DYRK1A increases human pancreatic beta cell replication. Nat Med, 21(4): 383-388.
  • Yamagaki T, Suzuki H, Tachibana K. 2007. Solid-phase fluorescence and ionization efficiency in negative-ion matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization of neutral oligosaccharides: Interaction between β-Carboline matrix and ammonium salt. J Am Soc Mass Spectrom, 18(4): 714-723.

Development and Validation of a Simple HPLC-UV Method for Analysis of Harmine

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 4, 1096 - 1102, 15.07.2025

Abstract

In this study, a rapid, simple, and sensitive HPLC-UV method was developed and validated in accordance with ICH Q2 (R1) guideline for the quantitative analysis of harmine (HRM), a main β-carboline alkaloid found in the Peganum harmala (Uzerlik) plant. The method was established based on the UV spectral analysis, which indicated maximum absorbance for HRM at 243 nm. A mixture of methanol and ultrapure water containing 1% formic acid (50:50, v/v) was selected as the mobile phase. In the separation carried out under isocratic conditions, the retention time of HRM was determined as 5.5 min, and the entire analysis was completed in under 8 min. The method demonstrated excellent linearity within the concentration range of 1–36 µg/mL, with a correlation coefficient (R²) of 0.99998. The accuracy and precision parameters of the method were found to be within acceptable limits, with relative error (RE) and relative standard deviation (RSD%) both below 2. The limits of detection and quantification (LOD and LOQ) were 0.269 µg/mL and 0.816 µg/mL, respectively. Also, it was determined that HRM standard solutions were stable for up to 7 days when stored at different temperatures (−20°C, 2–8°C, 25°C). In conclusion, this method offers a reliable alternative for the quantitative determination of HRM with high analytical quality, reproducibility, and short time. It can be widely used in routine laboratory practices for the monitoring of HRM in pure form and in various pharmaceutical formulations.

Project Number

THD-2021-10248

References

  • Akhtar MS, Iqbal Z, Khan MN, Lateef M. 2000. Anthelmintic activity of medicinal plants with particular reference to their use in animals in the Indo–Pakistan subcontinent. Small Rumin Res, 38(2): 99-107.
  • Ali AH. 2022. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC): A review. Ann Adv Chem, 6(1): 010-020.
  • Al-Shami N, Naseef H, Moqadi R, Kanaze F. 2024. HPLC method development and validation for the determination of apixaban and clopidogrel in novel fixed-dose combination tablets. J Chem, 2024(1): 2675736.
  • Astulla A, Zaima K, Matsuno Y, Hirasawa Y, Ekasari W, Widyawaruyanti A, Zaini NC, Morita H. 2008. Alkaloids from the seeds of Peganum harmala showing antiplasmodial and vasorelaxant activities. J Nat Med, 62(4): 470-472.
  • Ayoub MT, Rashan LJ, Khazraji AT, Adaay MH. 1989. An oxamide from Peganum harmala seeds. Phytochemistry, 28(7): 2000-2001.
  • Bei YY, Zhou XF, You BG, Yuan ZQ, Chen WL, Xia P, Liu Y, Jin Y, Hu XJ, Zhu QL, Zhang CG, Zhang XN, Zhang L. 2013. Application of the central composite design to optimize the preparation of novel micelles of harmine. International J Nanomed, 8: 1795-1808.
  • Berrougui H, Martín-Cordero C, Khalil A, Hmamouchi M, Ettaib A, Marhuenda E, Herrera MD. 2006. Vasorelaxant effects of harmine and harmaline extracted from Peganum harmala L. seeds in isolated rat aorta. Pharmacol Res, 54(2): 150-157.
  • Bhujbal S, Rupenthal ID, Agarwal P. 2024. Development and validation of a stability-indicating HPLC method for assay of tonabersat in pharmaceutical formulations. Methods, 231: 178-185.
  • Bnouham M, Mekhfi H, Legssyer A, Ziyyat A. 2002. Fas’ta diyabet tedavisinde kullanılan şifalı bitkiler. Int J Diyabet Metb, 10: 33-50.
  • Chatterjee A, Ganguly M. 1968. Alkaloidal constituents of Peganum harmala and synthesis of the minor alkaloid deoxyvascinone. Phytochemistry, 7(2): 307-311.
  • Coode MJE. 1967. Peganum harmala. In Flora of Turkey and The East Aegean Islands. London, Edinburg University Press, 2nd Ed., pp: 494.
  • Drugfuture. Harmine. 2022. URL: https://www.drugfuture.com/chemdata/harmine.html (accessed date: June 21, 2022).
  • Faramarzi M, Venus M, Amini M, Rouini M. 2008. Determination of harmine and harmaline in Peganum harmala seeds by high-performance liquid chromatography. J Appl Sci, 8(9): 1761-1765.
  • Hamden K, Carreau S, Ayadi F, Masmoudi H, El-Feki A. 2009. Inhibitory effect of estrogens, phytoestrogens, and caloric restriction on oxidative stress and hepato-toxicity in aged rats. Biomed Enviro Sci: BES, 22(5): 381-387.
  • Hamden K, Silandre D, Delalande C, Elfeki A, Carreau S. 2008. Protective effects of estrogens and caloric restriction during aging on various rat testis parameters. Asian J Androl, 10(6): 837-845.
  • ICH Q1A (R2). 2003. Harmonised tripartite guideline: Stability testing of new drug substances and products Q1A (R2).
  • ICH Topic Q2 (R1). 2006. Validation of Analytical Procedures: Text and Methodology. URL: http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Scientific_guideline/2009/09/WC500002662.pdf (accessed date: July 7, 2018).
  • Kandilli B, Uğur AB, Çetin M, Miloğlu FD. 2018. A simple HPLC-UV method for simultaneous determination of levetiracetam and carbamazepine. Hacettepe University J Fac Pharm, 38(2): 58-64.
  • Kara M. 2011. Üzerlik (Peganum harmala L.) bitki ekstraktının buğday (Triticum vulgare L.) ve semizotu (Portulaca oleraceae L.) bitkilerinin gelişimi üzerine etkilerinin araştırılması. MSc Thesis, Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi, Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Biyoloji Anabilim Dalı, Van, Türkiye, pp: [eksik].
  • Kartal M, Altun ML, Kurucu S. 2003. HPLC method for the analysis of harmol, harmalol, harmine and harmaline in the seeds of Peganum harmala L. J Pharm Biomed Anal, 31(2): 263-269.
  • Le THH, Phung TH, Le DC. 2019. Development and validation of an HPLC method for simultaneous assay of potassium guaiacolsulfonate and sodium benzoate in pediatric oral powder. J Anal Methods Chem, 2019: 6143061.
  • Mahmoudian M, Jalilpour H, Salehian P. 2002. Toxicity of Peganum harmala: Review and a case method. Iranian J Pharmacol Therapeut, 1: 1-4.
  • Mortazavi N, Heidari M, Rabiei Z, Enferadi ST, Monazzah M. 2021. Loading harmine on nanographene changes the inhibitory effects of free harmine against MCF-7 and fibroblast cells. Med Chem Res, 30(5): 1108-1116.
  • Mowafy HA, Alanazi FK, El-Maghraby GM. 2012. Development and validation of an HPLC-UV method for the quantification of carbamazepine in rabbit plasma. Saudi Pharma J, 20(1): 29-34.
  • Nafisi S, Panahyab A, Bagheri Sadeghi G. 2012. Interactions between β-carboline alkaloids and bovine serum albumin: Investigation by spectroscopic approach. J Lumin, 132(9): 2361-2366.
  • Nenaah G. 2010. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of (beta)-carboline alkaloids of Peganum harmala (L) seeds and their combination effects. Fitoterapia, 81(7): 779-782.
  • Osel N, Planinšek Parfant T, Kristl A, Roškar R. 2021. Stability-indicating analytical approach for stability evaluation of lactoferrin. Pharmaceutics, 13(7): 1065.
  • Patel K, Gadewar M, Tripathi R, Prasad S, Patel DK. 2012. A review on medicinal importance, pharmacological activity and bioanalytical aspects of beta-carboline alkaloid ‘“Harmine.”’ Asian Pac J Trop Biomed, 2(8): 660-664.
  • Pour AB, Moghadar N. 2012. Larval effect of extract of harmine and harmalin from Peganum harmala on juvenile of Protostrongylus rufescens. Res Pharm Sci, 7(5): 63.
  • Prashanth D, John S. 1999. Antibacterial activity of Peganum harmala. Fitoterapia, 70(4): 438-439.
  • Rharrabe K, Bakrim A, Ghailani N, Sayah F. 2007. Bioinsecticidal effect of harmaline on Plodia interpunctella development (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Pesticide Biochem Physiol, 89(2): 137-145.
  • Robinson JW. 2019. Ultraviolet Absorption Spectroscopy. In: Robinson JW, editor. Handbook of Spectroscopy: Volume II. CRC Press, e-book, 168 p.
  • Saadabadi A. 2006. Antifungal activity of some Saudi plants used in traditional medicine. Asian J Plant Sci, 5(5): 907-909.
  • Shabir GA. 2003. Validation of high-performance liquid chromatography methods for pharmaceutical analysis. J Chromatogr A, 987(1-2): 57-66.
  • Siddiqui S, Khan O, Faizi S, Siddiqui B. 1988. Studies on the chemical constituents of the seeds of P. harmala: Isolation and structure elucidation of two ß-Carboline lactams-harmalanine and harmalanidine. Heterocycles, 27: 1401-1410.
  • Siddiqui S, Khan O, Faizi S, Siddiqui B. 1987. Studies on the chemical constituents of the seed of P. harmala isolation and structure of a new-ß-Carboline Alkaloid. Heterocycles, 26: 1563-1567.
  • Siddiqui S, Khan O, Faizi S, Siddiqui B. 1989. Studies on the chemical constituents of the seed of P. harmala: Isolation and structure elucidation of two ß-Carbolines-harmalinine and norharmine. Heterocycles, 29: 521-527.
  • Spectrabase. Harmine-UV-VIS -Spectrum-SpectraBase. 2022. URL: https://spectrabase.com/spectrum/Jz2mr01EJRq (accessed date: June 21, 2022).
  • Ugur Kaplan AB, Cetin M. 2023. Development of a simple isocratic HPLC-UV method for the simultaneous analysis of repaglinide and metformin hydrochloride in nanoemulsion formulations and commercial tablets. Pharm Chem J, 57(2): 318-326.
  • Wang P, Alvarez-Perez JC, Felsenfeld DP, Liu H, Sivendran S, Bender A, Kumar A, Sanchez R, Scott DK, Garcia-Ocaña A, Stewart AF. 2015. A high-throughput chemical screen reveals that harmine-mediated inhibition of DYRK1A increases human pancreatic beta cell replication. Nat Med, 21(4): 383-388.
  • Yamagaki T, Suzuki H, Tachibana K. 2007. Solid-phase fluorescence and ionization efficiency in negative-ion matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization of neutral oligosaccharides: Interaction between β-Carboline matrix and ammonium salt. J Am Soc Mass Spectrom, 18(4): 714-723.
There are 41 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry (Other)
Journal Section Research Articles
Authors

Galip Mesut Demir 0000-0001-6107-2604

Afife Büşra Uğur Kaplan 0000-0003-2222-8789

Mine Gülaboğlu 0000-0002-3248-1502

Meltem Çetin 0000-0003-4009-2432

Project Number THD-2021-10248
Early Pub Date July 9, 2025
Publication Date July 15, 2025
Submission Date April 12, 2025
Acceptance Date May 21, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 8 Issue: 4

Cite

APA Demir, G. M., Uğur Kaplan, A. B., Gülaboğlu, M., Çetin, M. (2025). Development and Validation of a Simple HPLC-UV Method for Analysis of Harmine. Black Sea Journal of Engineering and Science, 8(4), 1096-1102.
AMA Demir GM, Uğur Kaplan AB, Gülaboğlu M, Çetin M. Development and Validation of a Simple HPLC-UV Method for Analysis of Harmine. BSJ Eng. Sci. July 2025;8(4):1096-1102.
Chicago Demir, Galip Mesut, Afife Büşra Uğur Kaplan, Mine Gülaboğlu, and Meltem Çetin. “Development and Validation of a Simple HPLC-UV Method for Analysis of Harmine”. Black Sea Journal of Engineering and Science 8, no. 4 (July 2025): 1096-1102.
EndNote Demir GM, Uğur Kaplan AB, Gülaboğlu M, Çetin M (July 1, 2025) Development and Validation of a Simple HPLC-UV Method for Analysis of Harmine. Black Sea Journal of Engineering and Science 8 4 1096–1102.
IEEE G. M. Demir, A. B. Uğur Kaplan, M. Gülaboğlu, and M. Çetin, “Development and Validation of a Simple HPLC-UV Method for Analysis of Harmine”, BSJ Eng. Sci., vol. 8, no. 4, pp. 1096–1102, 2025.
ISNAD Demir, Galip Mesut et al. “Development and Validation of a Simple HPLC-UV Method for Analysis of Harmine”. Black Sea Journal of Engineering and Science 8/4 (July 2025), 1096-1102.
JAMA Demir GM, Uğur Kaplan AB, Gülaboğlu M, Çetin M. Development and Validation of a Simple HPLC-UV Method for Analysis of Harmine. BSJ Eng. Sci. 2025;8:1096–1102.
MLA Demir, Galip Mesut et al. “Development and Validation of a Simple HPLC-UV Method for Analysis of Harmine”. Black Sea Journal of Engineering and Science, vol. 8, no. 4, 2025, pp. 1096-02.
Vancouver Demir GM, Uğur Kaplan AB, Gülaboğlu M, Çetin M. Development and Validation of a Simple HPLC-UV Method for Analysis of Harmine. BSJ Eng. Sci. 2025;8(4):1096-102.

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