Evidence supporting the use of: Rue
For the body system: Female Reproductive System
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Rue (Ruta graveolens) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures. Historically, it was employed to address various female reproductive system concerns, such as stimulating menstruation (emmenagogue), relieving menstrual cramps, and as an abortifacient. Ancient texts, including those from Greek and Roman physicians like Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder, mention rue’s application for menstrual regulation and uterine stimulation. Folk remedies have also referenced its use for alleviating symptoms of amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea.
However, the scientific evidence supporting rue’s efficacy for these uses is limited and poorly substantiated. Modern pharmacological studies have identified some active compounds in rue (such as rutin and furanocoumarins), but these investigations have focused mainly on its antispasmodic and antimicrobial properties, not specifically on its effects on the female reproductive system. Additionally, rue is known to be toxic at higher doses, with potential side effects including gastrointestinal distress, phototoxicity, and even organ damage. Due to its potential toxicity and lack of well-controlled clinical trials, rue is not recommended in modern medical practice for supporting the female reproductive system.
In summary, rue’s use for female reproductive health is primarily rooted in traditional medicine, with little robust scientific validation. Its application persists in some herbal practices, but caution is advised due to its toxic profile.
Other ingredients that support Female Reproductive System
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)amino acids
ashwagandha
basil
black cohosh
borage oil
broccoli
chaste tree
turmeric
d-alpha tocopherol
damiana
dandelion
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fennel
fenugreek
flaxseed
folate
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
genistein
ginger
goldenseal
hibiscus
HMR lignan
Indian tinospora
indole-3-carbinol
inositol
jujube
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lignans
linoleic acid (LA)
maca
marine lipid
motherwort
nettle
omega-3 fatty acids
raspberry
rose oil
saffron
selenium
soybean
spearmint leaf
tribulus
vitamin B
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
red clover
squawvine
mugwort
anise
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
blessed thistle
peony
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
yarrow
dioscorea
dodder
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
guelder rose
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
shepherd's purse
wood betony
herbal blend (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
25-d-spirosta-3, 5-diene
8-Prenylnaringenin
Angelica
Anamu
AHCC
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Anemone
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Animal protein
Betony
Blue Cohosh
Bugbane
Bethroot
Barbasco
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calochortus
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Cramp Bark
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chlorophytum
Casticin
Ceylon Leadwort
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Daidzein
Dong Quai
Diosgenin
Date
Egg
Erythrina
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Folic Acid
False Unicorn Root
Isoflavones
jasmine
Pennyroyal
Rose
Soy Protein
Vervain