# Rue (Ruta graveolens)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/rue
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-28
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Ruta graveolens, Common rue, Herb of grace, Garden rue, Bitter herb, Ruda, Rue officinale, Stinking rue, Countryman's treacle

## Overview

Rue (Ruta graveolens) is a Mediterranean herb containing rutin and furoquinoline alkaloids that demonstrate anti-cancer and [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) properties. These compounds work through selective cytotoxic effects on cancer cells and reduction of neuro[inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers.

## Health Benefits

• May support quality of life in advanced cancer patients (preliminary human evidence from one pilot study, n=31) • Shows selective anti-cancer activity against glioblastoma and other cancer cells (preclinical evidence only) • Demonstrates [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s through reduction of [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers post-ischemia (animal studies only) • Exhibits anti-fibrotic properties in liver tissue via TGF-β downregulation (preclinical evidence) • Contains rutin which shows MAO-B inhibition for potential neuroprotection (in vitro studies)

## Mechanism of Action

Rue's bioactive compounds, particularly rutin and furoquinoline alkaloids like rutacridone, exhibit selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells through apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest. The herb's [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s occur via inhibition of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s and reduction of [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers in neural tissue. Rutin specifically modulates NF-κB signaling pathways to reduce inflammatory responses.

## Clinical Summary

Human evidence for rue is extremely limited, with only one pilot study (n=31) showing improved quality of life in advanced cancer patients. Preclinical studies demonstrate selective anti-cancer activity against glioblastoma cells with IC50 values around 25-50 μg/mL. Laboratory research shows [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s through 40-60% reduction in [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers, but no human trials have confirmed these benefits. The evidence remains preliminary and insufficient for therapeutic recommendations.

## Nutritional Profile

Rue (Ruta graveolens) is primarily used as a medicinal herb rather than a dietary staple, so macronutrient content is negligible in typical usage doses. Key bioactive compounds include: Alkaloids — arborinine, graveoline, graveolinine, and kokusaginine (total alkaloid content approximately 0.1–0.5% dry weight); Flavonoids — rutin (quercetin-3-rutinoside) is the dominant flavonoid at approximately 1–2% dry weight, alongside quercetin and kaempferol glycosides; Furanocoumarins — psoralen, bergapten, xanthotoxin, and isopimpinellin (collectively 0.1–0.3% dry weight), which are photosensitizing compounds with notable bioactivity; Volatile essential oils — 2-undecanone and 2-nonanone are primary constituents (comprising up to 40–90% of essential oil fraction depending on chemotype); Quinoline alkaloids — dictamnine and skimmianine present in small quantities (~0.05% dry weight); Acridone alkaloids — rutacridone present in trace amounts. Rutin bioavailability is moderate in humans (~20–30% absorption), enhanced by gut microbial hydrolysis to quercetin aglycone. Furanocoumarins are well-absorbed orally but undergo significant first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). The herb contains minimal protein (<2% dry weight), negligible fat, and low fiber relative to culinary herbs. Vitamin C has been reported in fresh leaf tissue (~25 mg/100g fresh weight) and small amounts of provitamin A carotenoids are present. Calcium and iron are present at low concentrations (~200 mg and ~3 mg per 100g dry weight respectively), though bioavailability is limited by the herb's typical micro-dose consumption and presence of antinutritional furanocoumarin complexes.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosages for crude Ruta graveolens extracts exist in humans. The only human study used homeopathic Ruta graveolens 9c at two 1-mL ampoules daily. Preclinical studies used 16 mg/mL methanolic extracts in vitro or 10 mg/kg rutin-equivalent water extracts in animals, with no established human translation. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Rue is potentially toxic and can cause severe skin photosensitivity, gastrointestinal upset, and liver damage at higher doses. The herb is contraindicated during pregnancy due to abortifacient properties and uterine stimulation effects. Rue may interact with anticoagulant medications due to its coumarin content and can potentiate photosensitizing drugs. Safe dosage limits have not been established in humans, making supplementation risky without medical supervision.

## Scientific Research

Human clinical evidence is extremely limited, with only one open-label pilot study (PMID: 25439039) of 31 advanced cancer patients using homeopathic Ruta graveolens 9c, showing transitory improvements in quality of life scores at 8 and 16 weeks. No randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses exist; all other evidence comes from preclinical in vitro and animal studies.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Rue has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine for fever, toothache, headache, bruises, and sprains. European and Mediterranean herbalism has employed it since ancient Greek and Roman times for [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and spasms, with continuous use in folk medicine traditions.

## Synergistic Combinations

Rutin, Quercetin, Green Tea Extract, Turmeric, Milk Thistle

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is rue herb used for medicinally?

Rue has been traditionally used for digestive issues and menstrual problems, but modern research focuses on its potential anti-cancer and neuroprotective properties. Only preliminary evidence supports these uses, with one small study showing quality of life improvements in cancer patients.

### Is rue herb safe to take as a supplement?

Rue is potentially dangerous and not recommended as a supplement without medical supervision. It can cause severe skin reactions, liver damage, and is toxic during pregnancy. Safe dosage limits have not been established in humans.

### What compounds in rue provide health benefits?

Rue's primary bioactive compounds include rutin (a flavonoid) and furoquinoline alkaloids like rutacridone. These compounds demonstrate anti-cancer effects in laboratory studies and may reduce inflammation through NF-κB pathway modulation.

### Does rue herb really fight cancer?

Laboratory studies show rue extracts can kill certain cancer cells, particularly glioblastoma, with some selectivity over healthy cells. However, only one small human pilot study (31 patients) has been conducted, showing modest quality of life improvements but no direct anti-cancer effects.

### Can rue herb cause drug interactions?

Yes, rue can interact with blood-thinning medications due to its coumarin content and may enhance the effects of photosensitizing drugs. It should be avoided with anticoagulants like warfarin and medications that increase sun sensitivity.

### What forms of rue supplement are available, and which is most commonly used?

Rue is available as dried herb, liquid extract, essential oil, and standardized supplements, with dried herb and liquid extracts being the most traditional and commonly studied forms. The essential oil is potent and typically used in smaller doses due to concentration of volatile compounds like ruthenol and methyl nonyl ketone. Standardized extracts are less common but offer consistent alkaloid and furoquinarin content for research purposes.

### Is rue safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Rue is not recommended during pregnancy as it has traditionally been used as an abortifacient and may stimulate uterine contractions; it should be avoided by pregnant women. Safety during breastfeeding is not well-established, and caution is advised as active compounds may pass into breast milk. Women planning pregnancy or currently nursing should consult a healthcare provider before use.

### How strong is the scientific evidence supporting rue for cancer patients?

Current evidence is preliminary and limited: only one small pilot human study (n=31) examined rue's impact on quality of life in advanced cancer patients, showing potential but lacking the rigor of larger clinical trials. Preclinical laboratory studies demonstrate selective anti-cancer activity against glioblastoma and other cancer cell lines, but these findings have not yet translated to proven efficacy in human trials. Any consideration of rue for cancer support should be discussed with an oncologist and viewed as complementary rather than curative.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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