Goat's Rue

Scientific Name(s): Galega officinalis L.
Common Name(s): French lilac, Galega, Goat's rue, Italian fitch, Pestilenzkraut (German), Professor-weed

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 21, 2022.

Clinical Overview

Use

Goat's rue and its derivatives have been used in the management of diabetes mellitus to reduce blood sugar levels. Goat’s rue has also been used for its lactogenic effects to increase milk production. It has tonic, liver protectant, and platelet aggregation inhibitory effects, and has been evaluated for its diuretic and weight loss effects. However, limited clinical trials exist to support these uses.

Dosing

Diabetes: Information is lacking to provide dosing recommendations for goat’s rue in diabetes. Clinical dosing information focuses on metformin, which is derived from goat’s rue.

Galactorrhea: 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of dried herb steeped in 1 cup (240 mL) of water administered twice daily or 1 to 2 mL of tincture administered 3 times daily.

Contraindications

Use caution if administering goat’s rue during surgical procedures due to a potential increased risk of bleeding.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy is lacking. Silymarin in combination with galega enhances milk production in breast-feeding mothers.

Interactions

Hypoglycemic medications: Additive blood glucose–lowering effects may occur if using goat’s rue concomitantly with other hypoglycemic medications such as insulin and sulfonylureas.

Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant medications: Because goat’s rue inhibits platelet aggregation, the risk of bleeding may be increased when given concomitantly with other antiplatelet medications or anticoagulants.

Adverse Reactions

Headache, jitteriness, or weakness may occur. Because of its ability to inhibit platelet aggregation, there may be an increased risk of bleeding and bruising with administration of goat’s rue.

Toxicology

Toxicity has been observed with other guanidine derivatives.

Scientific Family

• Fabaceae (bean)

Botany

Goat’s rue is a perennial herb found in temperate grassland regions of Asia and Europe. It also grows wild in damp fields in Britain.1 The plant, which prefers damp, low-lying areas and sandy soil, grows to about 1 m in height. It has compound leaves with lance-shaped ends and fruit consisting of a round, indented pod containing many seeds. The flowers are white, lilac, light blue, or pinkish in color and grow on terminal spikes. The dried aerial parts of the plant are harvested during the summer flowering season and used medicinally. The plant has no scent unless bruised, in which case it emits a disagreeable odor, from which the name "goat's rue" may have originated. It has a bitter and astringent taste and can discolor saliva to a yellowish-green hue.2 Goat's rue should not be confused with common rue (Ruta graveolens).2, 3, 4, 5, 6

History

Goat's rue has been traditionally used as a vermifuge, and for treatment of snakebites and the plague. It is believed to have been used as a diuretic and tonic for typhoid conditions and as a nervous system stimulant.2, 4 Goat's rue has been used as a soak for tired feet and as an herb in cheese making.2 Hill's Universal Herbal (1832) mentions the addition of the dried flowers to boiling water to make an infusion for ...