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There is some confusion between Ruta graveolens L., and Ruta chalepensis L. Ruta is a genus of aromatic herbs and shrubs, basically native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region, Canary islands and western Asia. One species that goes by the vernacular names somalatha (samskrit), and satari, sadab, aruda, nagadaali, etc., in other Indian languages, is often referred to as Ruta graveolens, which is the rue of Europe, used there as a flavouring agent and in medicine. While it is doubtful, if any species of Ruta is native to India, one species is commonly found in gardens, particularly of medicinal plants. All the Indian names apply to this species considered as Ruta chalepensis, which appears to be a worthy substitute to Ruta graveolens, which is cultivated in many parts of the world. Consequently, the uses for the two species are mixed up in literature. There is also Ruta tuberculata Forsk., with uses similar to the other species, found in the hills of Sind and Baluchistan.
The flowering twig and the fruits of Ruta chalepensis L., (=Ruta angustifolia Pers., Ruta bracteata DC., Ruta graveolens L., var. angustifolia Hook.f.,) are shown in the photographs.
The oil is used as an athelminthic, antispasmodic, antiepileptic, rubefacient and emenagogue. It is also considered as an anti-narcotic and abortifacient. The herb is used in hysteria, amenorrhoea, and in aroma therapy.
The leaves are used as a condiment and garnish and in pickles. The aromatic leaves are used in salads, stews and ragouts. The oil is used as perfume in soaps and perfumes.
The oil contains heptyl ketone, accounting for a low congealing oil, similar to that of the rue. The rue oil predominantly contains mehyl nonyl ketone. The plant contains glucosides such as rutoside and resin. A coumarin derivative bergapten, and the alkaloids graveolinine, kokusaginine and skimmianine are known the east Asian samples of rue. Graveolinine has been synthesised.