Colorina burning to earn diploma
Campus Times
April 23, 1999
Senior biology and psychology double major, Gilbert Colorina, 22,
observes one of 30 lab rats needed to complete the research for his biology
senior project entitled, "Peganum harmala" Colorina is studying
the effects of Peganum harmala, a seed with hallucinogenic properties that
originated in the Middle East. Colorina has just begun preparing for this
experiment, which he believes will take him one and a half semesters to
complete.
by Nune Gazdhyan
Assistant Features Editor
Gilbert Colorina, 22, a senior biology and psychology double major,
is embarking on his last journey at ULV -- senior project.
But unlike traditional students, he will be conducting his senior project
in his fifth year at ULV. Being a double major, he had to make the sacrifice,
yet he does not mind the extra year because he can graduate as part of the
class of 2000.
"It's a nice round number," said Colorina.
Colorina does not regret his decision of pursuing two majors. He said
that in the long run, they will aid him, and, of course, they always look
good on resumés. He also sees the two as a challenge.
While Colorina's graduating class transcends into a different phase
in life, he will look on from the bleachers and continue on his own mission-exploring
with Peganum harmala, a seed which originated from the Middle East and is
rumored to have psychoactive effects.
Colorina's senior project, entitled, "Peganum harmala," is
very unique. He will explore with the seeds of the harmala plant, which
is also known as Syrian Rue, a small bushy desert shrub. It was used for
dyes in
Persian and Turkish rugs, but Colorina is not about to go into weaving
rugs. He is interested in the seeds because of their psychoactive effects
on the brain.
"I want to see whether this seed, when burned, produces any type
of positive or negative effect on the brain, because in high doses it's
supposed to produce hallucinogenic effects, but in small doses, it's suppose
to be a central nervous stimulant," said Colorina.
The project will require the use of about 30 young laboratory rats to
test the psychoactive power of harmala on their brains and to prove his
hypothesis. The rats will not be harmed.
Colorina's interest in these seeds sparked in 1998 while he was aiding
ULV professors, Dr. Robert Neher and Dr. Harvey Good at their biology testing
site. A fax containing information about the harmala seeds caught Colorina's
attention, and since he was on the hunt for a senior project, he asked Dr.
Neher if he could experiment with the harmala seeds. The idea was approved.
Everything is set for the experiments. Colorina has written his senior
project proposal, built a maze for the rats and ordered the harmala seeds
via the Internet. There are minor adjustments Colorina needs to make to
his proposal letter, and there is the challenge of finding the proper way
to burn the harmala seeds.
The harmala seeds cannot be burned over fire, and Colorina has attempted
to burn them over a Bunsen burner but without success. This is one of the
challenges that must be eliminated before the experiment can begin.
Also, Colorina will attempt to grow the harmala plant. There have been
two students at ULV who have attempted this task without success in the
past. Former student, Ban Hassan attempted to grow it in 1993, and former
student, Kari Trotter in 1997.
Much folklore and legend festoons the seeds. Though only native to Central
Asia and Syria, it also grows in the wild along the Mediterranean, coast
of Europe, Asia and Africa.
People have testified ingesting the seeds, boiling and drinking its
water and inhaling its fumes to reap its alleged power to heal.
It has also been called "The Drink of the Immortal - Soma"
and is associated with the belief it chases away evil spirits.
Throughout the years, people have not given up the attempt to trick
the harmala seeds' stubborn behavior in order to benefit from its alleged
healing powers.
It was historically used in religious ceremonies. The fumes emitted
were blown over new-born babies to chase away evil spirits.
In the sixteenth century, Spanish missionaries from Mexico burned the
seeds as a part of their morning religious rituals believing that the fumes
would bring glory to their day.
Now, the seeds have embarked upon Colorina's path. Colorina will have
the opportunity to experiment with the harmala seeds at the ULV science
lab. He will attempt to test the harmala seeds for their ability to influence
the brain.
