"Examining the Effects of Ruta Graveolens on the Growth of Caenorhabditis Elegans"

Abstract

Ruta graveolens ("common rue") is a shrub-like plant in Mediterranean countries. Although it is consumed as a food spice in small amounts, it has also been used as an abortifacient and contraceptive by many communities worldwide. When used as an abortificient, it is shown in pregnant mice to cause embryo damage and fetal death. In this report, the abortifacient activities of Ruta graveolens were studied using a more straightforward and less complex method to show its adverse effect on fertility by exposing living worms to the plant extract. C. elegans were exposed to Ruta graveolens, and the nematode was counted daily to observe the retardation in the reproduction rate. Exposing the nematode to the plant extract while observing a control group showed that the reproduction rate was hindered, and multiplication was reduced. C. elegans, however, overcame the toxic setback in the environment and continued to multiply until the food supply was exhausted and the dead nematodes reached a toxic state. Furthermore, our observation of Ruta graveolens against nematodes was consistent with the previous data reported using Ruta graveolens against plant growth.