Ruta chalepensis is a species of flowering plant in the Rutaceae family known by the common name fringed rue. It is native to the Mediterranean and is found elsewhere as an introduced species., distribution map. It is a perennial herb growing up to 80 centimeters tall. The leaves are compound, each divided into several segments which are subdivided into smaller leaflets. The inflorescence is a cluster of flowers, each with four or five bright yellow petals with rolled, fringed edges. The fruit is a textured capsule which is divided into pointed lobes.
In herbalism, the plant is used as for a number of ailments, such as fever and inflammation.al-Said, M. S., et al. (1990). Studies on Ruta chalepensis, an ancient medicinal herb still used in traditional medicine. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 28:3 305-12.
R. chalepensis is the original source of the chemical compound chalepensin.
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