Ruta

Rue

Rue. The leaves of Ruta graveolens. (Not official.) Composition.—The medicinal activity of this plant depends on the presence of a volatile oil. Only the fresh leaves should be employed, and, as drying impairs the quality of the drug, the oil should be prescribed

Oleum Rutae

Oil of rue. This is a volatile oil, of a greenish yellow color, very disagreeable and characteristic odor, and pungent, acrid taste. Dose, τη j—τη v.

Actions and Uses

In its local action rue is an irritant; applied to the skin, the oil causes heat, inflammation, and vesication. In ordinary medicinal doses a sensation of warmth follows its introduction into the stomach, and increased action of the heart and arterial system and a subjective feeling of peripheral heat are subsequently produced. The cutaneous, bronchial, and urinary excretions become more abundant, and the odor of the volatile oil is apparent in the breath, the sweat, and the urine. In toxic doses the oil of rue produces violent gastroenteritis, prostration, convulsive muscular movements, hebetude of mind, etc., strangury and suppression of urine. In women the use of rue increases the menstrual flow, and large doses may cause abortion to take place. In men this agent promotes the sexual appetite, and increases the vigor of the erections.

A tincture of the oil of rue is an efficient carminative and antispasmodic remedy in the flatulent colic and hysteria of women. Almost the only use of rue at present is in the treatment of amenorrhoea. It is one of the most efficient emmenagogues. Plethora, congestion, or inflammation of the pelvic viscera, contraindicate its use. Functional inactivity of the ovaries and uterus is the condition which justifies the employment of rue. It has been recommended in menorrhagia when the vascular tonus is low, and in uterine haemorrhage after miscarriage. It need hardly be remarked that the condition of pregnancy forbids the use of rue.