Effect of diazepam on the CNS excitation and behavioural changes induced by harmaline and its newly synthesized analogues.

The neuropharmacologic profile of harmala alkaloids has been studied and found to have central effects like convulsions, catalepsy, or altered startle response. In number of studies the effects of diazepam, on harmaline and other beta carboline containing compounds-induced tremors were investigated. The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of diazepam on pretreated animals with harmaline and its synthesized phenacyl and coumarine analogues. Diazepam successfully inhibited the tremor and convulsions and attenuated the other behavioural response produced by harmaline and its derivatives.