(Not official.) - The volatile oil distilled from the fresh herb of Ruta graveolens (nat. ord. Rutaceae).

Habitat

Britain.

Characters

A light yellow oil, becoming brown on keeping. Taste bitter. Odor aromatic, disagreeable. Soluble in an equal weight of Alcohol. Sp. gr., about 0.880.

Composition

It consists mainly of Methyl-nonyl Ketone, Ch3,CO. C9H19.

Dose, 1 to 4 m.; .06 to .25 c.c.

Action And Therapeutics Of Oil Of Rue

External

Oil of rue is irritant and vesicant.

Internal

In large doses it is a powerful gastro-intestinal irritant. It is eliminated in, and may be recognized by its odor in the urine, breath and perspiration. It is irritant to the kidneys, ovaries and uterus, and excites the menstrual flow; consequently it is given in amenorrhoea. From its stimulating action on the uterus rue has been used as an abortifacient, and fatal cases of poisoning from gastro-intestinal irritation have been recorded. It is very rarely given as a medicine. In all points its action resembles that of savine.