Genus Ruta: A natural source of high value products with biological and pharmacological properties.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ruta genus is constituted by ten species, of which the most commonly described are R. chalepensis and R. graveolens. Ruta plants are perennial shrubs belonging to the family Rutaceae, which are traditionally used in folk medicine, since ancient times mostly for the treatment of various ailments of the womb. AIM OF THE STUDY: To provide a review of the different uses of Ruta species in traditional medicine, as well as, on their multifactorial biological and pharmacological properties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search of the literature on genus Ruta and Ruta species was performed using various scientific databases and search engines and the information of articles were reviewed and compiled. RESULTS: Different parts of the plants belonging to Ruta genus are used in folk medicine to treat a wide range of different diseases. The principal use of these is in gynaecological field, but the treatment of pain, fever, nausea, inflammation, infections, nervous disorders, among others, are also described. These plants have been used to fertility regulation, as anti-fertility agent, to control menstrual flux and bleedings, as abortifacient and as contraceptive. The phytochemical composition of these plants consists mainly in essential oil (EO), but phenolic compounds were also reported, like coumarins and flavonoids, as well as alkaloids. Ruta species products like extracts and EOs have shown broad pharmacological activities, such as antimicrobial and antifungal activities, as well as, antiviral and antiparasitic. Moreover, Ruta plants products present antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-diabetic activities and demonstrated contraceptive and abortifacient effects. These plants were also tested to be used for non-therapeutic approaches, as bio-insecticides in the control of different insect pests showing to be able to reduce infestation. CONCLUSIONS: Ruta species could be a potential source of natural products with biological activities. Ruta extracts, essential oils and isolated compounds have shown a diverse potential for use in the treatment of different diseases, as well as, for pests control, contributing to the valorisation of these plants. Nonetheless, this review indicates that more studies are needed to demonstrate the full potential of Ruta species, and to further explore the toxicology and safety of these plants.

[Blisters and skin abnormality after playing in the garden]. / Blaren en vlekken op de huid na spelen in de tuin.

On a sunny day, a 2-year-old boy came to the paediatric department with skin abnormalities. These had started as redness and blisters and later also included hyperpigmentation. He had played near a phototoxic plant known as 'common rue' (Ruta graveolens). Our diagnosis was phytophotodermatitis caused by the common rue.

Fitofotodermatite por Ruta graveolens com manifestação cutânea extensa / Phytophotodermatitis due to Ruta graveolens with extensive cutaneous manifestation

Dermatite de contato por planta ou fitodermatite é uma erupção cutânea resultante do contato com substâncias produzidas por diferentes espécies de vegetais. Ruta graveolens, popularmente conhecida como arruda, é uma planta da família das Rutaceae, que inclui algumas frutas cítricas, e contém inúmeras substâncias químicas fotossensíveis, incluindo os furocumarínicos. Relatamos um caso de reação de fitofototoxicidade grave em uma paciente que usou uma infusão de arruda pelas supostas qualidades ”místicas e purificadoras” da planta com extensa erupção cutânea.

Plant dermatitis or phytodermatitis is a cutaneous eruption resulting from contact with substances produced by different plant species. Ruta graveolens, popular known as common rue, is an herbal plant from the Rutaceae family, which includes the citrus fruits, and contains numerous photosensitizing substances, including furocoumarins. We report a severe case of phytophototoxicity reaction in a patient who used a common rue infusion because of its “powerful and purification” qualities.

Herb of grace: an unusual cause of phytophotodermatitis mimicking burn injury.

We report the case of a 2-year-old child who suffered an acute phytophotodermatitis with systemic upset after contact with the herb Ruta Graveolens (common rue, Herb of Grace). We review the literature detailing the mechanism of the phytophotodermatitis and the mainstream and alternative medicinal uses of the herb. Clinicians treating burns should consider phytophotodermatitis in their differential diagnosis of any partial-thickness burn injury. Furthermore, the hazards of growing this widespread herb in gardens where children play should be well publicized.

Rue the herb: Ruta graveolens--associated phytophototoxicity.

We describe an unusual case of phytophototoxicity induced by an herbal plant, Ruta graveolens, from the Rutaceae family. This common herb, also called rue, can be found throughout rural settings in the United States. When psoralens from rue come in contact with human skin that is subsequently exposed to ultraviolet A light, an impressive photoirritant reaction can occur. This report both clarifies the distinguishing features of photoirritant reactions versus photoallergic reactions and reviews the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of phytophotodermatitis. R. graveolens can be associated with an impressive photoirritant reaction and should not be used as an insect repellent.