Ruta chalepensis

Ruta chalepensis, commonly known as rue or rue of the heavens, is a perennial medicinal herb native to parts of the Americas. Renowned for its aromatic foliage, it has been traditionally utilized in folk medicine for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties, offering a rich chemical profile for therapeutic study.

  • Scientific name: Ruta chalepensis
  • Family: Rutaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Sapindales, it is classified under the family Rutaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic designation is placed within the genus Ruta.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Sapindales WCVP
Family Rutaceae WCVP
Genus Ruta WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Ruta chalepensis, is known by various common names across different languages and regions. In German, it is referred to as Gefranste Raute, while in Arabic, it is called سذاب حلبي. It is known as അരൂത in Malayalam and פיגם מצוי in Hebrew, and in Persian, it is identified as راتا چلپنسیس.
Language Common Name Source
de Gefranste Raute Wikidata
ar سذاب حلبي Wikidata
ml അരൂത Wikidata
he פיגם מצוי Wikidata
fa راتا چلپنسیس Wikidata
am ጤና ኣዳም Wikidata
arz سذاب حلبى Wikidata
su Inggu Wikidata
mk ресесто седефче Wikidata
zh 叙利亚芸香 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, Ruta chalepensis, is primarily distributed across several regions within Southwestern Europe. Its presence can be specifically noted in the Balearic Islands, known as Baleares. Additionally, this species is found inhabiting the island of Corsica. The plant's range extends to the coastal and inland areas of France. Finally, it is also documented growing in Portugal and on the island of Sardinia.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe Corse WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Sardegna WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Albania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Greece WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Kriti WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as rue, utilizes various components for its medicinal properties, primarily through its aerial parts. The leaves are the most significant element, often harvested for their characteristic scent and chemical potency. Within these structures, the plant produces a concentrated essential oil that contains the active compounds responsible for its therapeutic effects. Additionally, the fruits and the roots serve as important biological components of the species, contributing to the overall pharmacological profile of the plant.
Total parts
6
Scientific sources
11
Plant Part Sources Confidence
aerial parts 4 ★★☆☆☆
leaves 3 ★★☆☆☆
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruits 1 ★☆☆☆☆
essential oil 1 ★☆☆☆☆
callus cultures 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Ruta chalepensis has 45 reported phytochemicals identified across 61 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, skimmianine, bergapten, chalepensin, chalepin.

Total chemicals
45
Scientific sources
61

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 3 ★★☆☆☆
skimmianine 3 ★★☆☆☆
bergapten 2 ★☆☆☆☆
chalepensin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
chalepin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
coumarins 2 ★☆☆☆☆
furanocoumarins 2 ★☆☆☆☆
monoterpenes 2 ★☆☆☆☆
psoralen 2 ★☆☆☆☆
quercetin 2 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Ruta chalepensis has 22 reported activities identified across 24 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antimicrobial, Abortifacient, Antiacetylcholinesterase, Anticancer.

Total activities
22
Scientific sources
24

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Analgesic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Abortifacient 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiacetylcholinesterase 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiepileptic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifertility 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiinflammatory 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Ruta chalepensis has 43 reported medicinal uses identified across 52 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Trichinella spiralis.

Total uses
43
Scientific sources
52

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
inflammation 3 ★★☆☆☆
Escherichia coli 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Staphylococcus aureus 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Trichinella spiralis 2 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
mental disorders 2 ★☆☆☆☆
rheumatism 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Aspergillus flavus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Aspergillus niger 1 ★☆☆☆☆