Ruta chalepensis is commonly called fringed rue. Fringed rue is a flowering plant that belongs to the Rutaceae or citrus family of plants. This family of plants also includes common commercially viable plants including lemons, oranges and grapefruits. Fringed rue is used as a traditional medicine in Mexico where it is referred to a ruda. Anecdotal evidence from traditional medicine suggests that ruda has central nervous system effects. Scientific studies have corroborated the anecdotal evidence and suggest that fringe rue may have medicinal effects on the central nervous system. For example, in one study, researcher investigated the sedative and anxiolytic effects of the herb. Extracts of the aerial parts of fringed rue were administered to mice and a significant anti-anxiety effect was observed. In addition, the researchers also observed a nociceptive, sedative and anticonvulsant effect in the mice. Therefore Ruta chalepensis may have particular beneficial medicinal effects in animals.
A number of studies have investigated the phytochemistry of fringed rue. Studies suggest that the plant is rich in alkaloids, flavonoids and their glucosides, courmarins, tannis, sterols and terpenes. The plant also contains a volatile oil. These phytochemicals may play an active role in conferring medicinal effects on the plant. Image is of fringed rue. Image from: By Xemenendura – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https:// commons.wikimedia.org/ w/ index.php?curid=10407189.
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