Garden rue: A path for protective health and its production potential

Garden rue (Ruta graveolens L.) is an important medicinal and aromatic plant valued for its diverse therapeutic properties and wide range of bioactive compounds. The plant contains flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarins, terpenoids, essential oils and furoquinolines along with rutin and quercetin being the major active constituents responsible for many of its pharmacological effects. Traditionally, it has been used for the treatment of inflammatory disorders, rheumatism, skin diseases, ulcers, arthritis, venom poisoning and various other ailments. Rue also possesses antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, insect-repellent and potential anticancer properties. The article highlights the production technology of garden rue, including suitable soil and climate, propagation methods, nursery management, transplanting, irrigation, nutrient management, plant protection and harvesting practices. Under proper crop management, a dry herbage yield of 2.5 – 3.0 t ha⁻¹ can be obtained. Although the plant has significant medicinal value, excessive consumption or improper use may cause toxic effects. Therefore, garden rue has considerable potential as a high-value medicinal crop.