Goats’ rue (also known as Italian Fitch, French Lilac or Galega) belongs to the Fabaceae family. The aerial parts of the plant are used to manage the early stages of type 2 diabetes (T2D) or as part of its complementary treatment.

A close-up of a purple goat's rue flower, showcasing its delicate petals and vibrant color against a blurred background.

Common Name: Goat's Rue

Scientific Name: Galega officinalis L.

History and Origin

Goats’ rue (also known as as Italian Fitch, French Lilac or Galega) belongs to the Fabaceae family. ⁽¹⁾ This herb grows wild throughout Europe and Asia. ⁽²⁾ It prefers warm and humid regions. ⁽³⁾The generic name, Galega, from the Greek word gala (milk) refers to the formerly widespread use of goat’s rue as fodder to increase the milk yield of cows. ⁽⁴⁾The plant is odorless unless its leaves are bruised, whereupon it emits a disagreeable smell, which probably gave rise to the common name Goat's Rue. The medicinal parts are the leaves collected at the beginning of the flowering season and dried, as well as the tips of the flowering branches. ⁽²⁾

Goat's Rue Plant Structure

Goats’ rue is the herbaceous perennial plant ⁽¹⁾ that grows to about 1 m in height. The shrub has erect, branched, hollow stems. ⁽²⁾

The plant has 1 cm long florets. The petals are bluish-white,⁽²⁾ purple, and occasionally pink. They are borne on a structure called a raceme. ⁽⁵⁾

The fruit is a round, indented pod containing many seeds.

The leaves are odd-pinnate; elliptical to lanceolate with a rich green upper surface and a lighter undersurface. ⁽²⁾The leaf tastes bitter and astringent. ⁽⁴⁾

Goat's Rue Flowers and Leaves

Goat's Rue Health Benefits

1. Regulating Blood Glucose Levels

The aerial parts of the plant are used to manage the early stages of type 2 diabetes (T2D) or as part of its complementary treatment. ⁽⁶⁾

According to several studies, both guanidine alkaloids (including galegine) and non-alkaloid compounds (including flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, phytosterols etc.) found in Galega officinalis induce the hypoglycemic effect.⁽¹⁾

The hypoglycemic effect of Galega officinalis can be due to increased insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells, inhibiting glucose absorption in the gut, stimulating glycogenesis in the liver or increasing glucose utilization by the body. ⁽⁷⁾

In addition to hypoglycemic action, Galega officinalis may prevent the development and progression of diabetes complications. For example:

- It can help reduce the incidence of infections associated with diabetes by improving immune system dysfunction. ⁽⁸⁾

- Alkaloids from G. officinalis are effective in reducing total cholesterol concentration, serum triglyceride, and LDL-cholesterol and increasing serum HDL-cholesterol in diabetics. The alkaloids can also reduce the serum levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) in diabetics. ⁽⁷⁾

- It can help prevent kidney damages in diabetics by improving tissue sensitivity to insulin and decreasing the serum level of urea and creatinine. ⁽⁹⁾

- The concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO) significantly increases in plasma from diabetic patients. Increased plasma MGO level leads to diabetic vascular complications. ⁽¹⁰⁾ Diabetic vascular complications include retinopathy (disease of the retina), nephropathy (kidney disease), neuropathy (a type of damage to the nervous system), ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease. ⁽¹¹⁾ Guanidines (including galegine and hydroxygalegine) and polyphenols contained in G. officinalis herb exhibit both antioxidant activity and the ability to lower the MGO plasma concentration. Both of these properties play an important role in preventing and delaying vascular complications of diabetes. ⁽⁶⁾

- During diabetes, the balance between production and elimination of free radicals is disrupted. As a result, free radicals increase and cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress causes cell damage. Galega officinalis due to its antioxidant properties can improve oxidative damage in the testicles and sperm parameters that occur due to diabetes. ⁽¹²⁾

It is interesting to know that metformin, which is the first choice of treatment in patients with T2D, also derived from galegine of goats’ rue. ⁽¹³⁾

2. Increasing Breast Milk Production

In a 2016 study, the effect of aqueous extract of aerial parts of goat's rue on mammary gland development and milk yield was investigated in rabbits. According to the results of this study, oral administration of aqueous extract of aerial parts of goat's rue can improve mammary gland development and increase milk yield. ⁽¹⁴⁾

Also in a 2017 study, conducted on galactagogue supplement containing Galega officinalis, it was observed that this food supplement does have a role in supporting breastfeeding mothers and enhancing milk production during lactation. ⁽¹⁵⁾

3. Promoting Weight Loss

In a study, the weight-reducing effect of goat's rue in normal and genetically obese mice was investigated. For this purpose, the aerial parts of the plant were collected and dried during the flowering period. The galegine content of goat's rue is highest during florescence. The plant was firstly ground into a fine powder. It was then incorporated into the diet of mice at 1.25, 2.5, 6.25 or 10% w / w. According to the results, goat's rue herb caused a reduction in body weight and loss of body fat (including abdominal fat) in both normal and genetically obese animals. The weight-reducing effect was dose-related. ⁽¹⁶⁾ According to the researchers, galegine found in goat's rue produces weight loss. ⁽¹⁷⁾

4. Anticoagulant

In a study, the effect of aqueous extract of goat's rue on the inhibition of platelet aggregation was examined in human blood samples. In this study, the aerial parts of the plant at the flowering stage were collected. Aqueous extract was obtained by maceration of the plant material in water. It was found that the aqueous extract of goat's rue suppressed platelet aggregation induced by aggregating agents including epinephrine, thrombin and collagen. ⁽¹⁸⁾

Two studies, in 2002 and 2003, showed that the anti-aggregating activity of goat's rue could be due to the protein component found in the herb. ^{(19, 20)}

5. Regulating Blood Pressure

In a 2021 study, the antihypertensive effect of galegine was investigated in hypertensive rats. The researchers demonstrated that galegine is effective in reducing blood pressure with rapid onset and a dose-related duration of the effects. The results indicate that galegine is the bioactive compound which can be used to design new hypotensive drugs. ⁽²¹⁾

6. Increasing Antioxidant Activity

According to researchers, all therapeutic effects of goat's rue are mediated by its antioxidant compounds and the antioxidant properties can give special and valuable healing power to the herb. As a result, it may be useful for treating different kinds of diseases. ⁽²²⁾

What Are Goat's Rue Side Effects?

1. Pregnancy: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking goat's rue if you are pregnant. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. ⁽²³⁾

2. Breast-Feeding: Goat's rue is known as a galactagogue. Although some studies support this use, there is mixed reliable information about the safety of taking goat's rue if you are breast-feeding. ⁽²⁴⁾

- According to some, breastfeeding mothers should not use the fresh goat's rue plant. However, it is generally considered safe to use the dried plant leaves in tea. ⁽²⁵⁾

- On the other hand, according to two case reports, drinking more than 2 liters daily of a herbal tea mixture containing licorice, fennel, anise, and goat's rue to stimulate lactation, caused restlessness, vomiting, weak and lack of weight gain in two breastfed infants (younger than one month). However, both infants were doing well at 6 months of age. The authors attributed the infant symptoms to anethole, which is found in both anise and fennel, but not goat's rue.

Therefore, it is recommended that avoid drinking large amounts of goat's rue tea during lactation and consult with your healthcare professional before consumption. ⁽²⁴⁾

3. Bleeding conditions: Goat's rue might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. In theory, goat's rue might make bleeding disorders worse.

4. Diabetes: Goat's rue might lower blood sugar levels in some people. Monitor your blood sugar carefully and closely if you have diabetes and use goat's rue.

5. Surgery: Goat's rue might affect blood sugar levels. It might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using goat's rue at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. ⁽²³⁾

6. Allergy to plants in the Fabaceae family: People who are allergic to other plants in the Fabaceae, including soybeans, peanuts, green peas, alfalfa, and fenugreek might also be allergic to Goat's rue. ⁽²⁵⁾

Generally, every person may be allergic to certain herbs and spices. This sensitivity must be first diagnosed by the person and secondarily by the physician. However, these allergic reactions do not cause chronic or acute side effects, and after identifying the allergenic plant and removing it from the diet, allergy-related complications will be eliminated. No company or product can be aware of the allergic reactions of different bodies in advance. The body's incompatibility with one or more specific herbs rarely occurs, but consumers may encounter it anyway.

Nutritional Information

In a study on the nutritional value of G. officinalis, it was determined that palmitic acid (a saturated fatty acid), linoleic acid (a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid) and α-linolenic acid (a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid) are the main fatty acids in the whole G. officinalis plant, and they represent 82%–85% of the fatty acids of the plant. Also, the omega 6/ omega 3 fatty acid ratio of the plant is steady at 0.13 during all stages of plant growth.

Analyses of the amino acid composition have confirmed the presence of all nine essential amino acids (including leucine, lysine, valine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, arginine, threonine, histidine, methionine) and non-essential amino acids (including aspartic acid, glutamic acid, alanine, glycine, proline, tyrosine, serine). ⁽²⁶⁾

Goat's Rue Daily Dosage

The therapeutic dose of goat's rue herb in humans recommended is 4 g per day.

Taking into account the usual daily doses of metformin (up to 3000 mg) in the treatment of T2D patients, the amount of guanidines (32 mg), at the dose of 4 g of Galegae herb recommended per day, appears to be safe.⁽⁶⁾

Bioactive Compounds

According to a 2020 study, goat's rue and its infusion are rich in polyphenols, quinazoline alkaloids and guanidine derivatives. Saponins, terpenes, steroids, and tannins, were also found in this plant.

Polyphenolics include:

- Flavonoids: mainly rutin.

- Hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs): mainly monoferuloylhexaric acid isomers.

Quinazoline Alkaloids: predominant compounds include vasicine (peganine) and hydroxyvasicine (vasicinol).

Guanidines Derivatives: predominant compounds include galegine and hydroxygalegine. ⁽⁶⁾

Best Time to Consume

Generally, 1-2 hours before or after meals.

For reducing blood glucose levels: one cup of goat's rue tea immediately after meals.

For breast-feeding: twice a day, preferably in the morning and early afternoon.

Possible Drug Interactions

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs): Goat's rue might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking goat's rue along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.

Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs): Goat's rue might slow blood clotting. Taking goat's rue along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), ticlopidine (Ticlid), and others. ⁽²³⁾

Traditional Use

In traditional medicine, the aerial parts of goat's rue have been used to treat inflammatory diseases, ⁽²⁷⁾ tuberculosis, malignant fevers, epilepsy, parasitic infections and various infectious diseases, and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, goat's rue was used as a galactagogue in lactating women. ⁽⁶⁾

Some Questions about Goat's Rue

Is goat's rue the same as metformin? / Is metformin made from goat's rue?

G. officinalis (Goat’s rue) contains an alkaloid called Galegin which is key to its extraordinary anti-diabetic effects. Galegin is chemically similar to Guanidine, the standard compound from which many conventional diabetic drugs are manufactured, such as metformin. ⁽⁷⁾

Is goat's rue good for diabetics?

The aerial parts of the plant are used to manage the early stages of type 2 diabetes (T2D) or as part of its complementary treatment. ⁽⁶⁾For more information, see the “Goat's Rue Health Benefits” section.

Does goat's rue increase breast size?

According to a 2016 study, oral administration of aqueous extract of aerial parts of goat's rue could improve mammary gland development in rabbits. ⁽¹⁴⁾

Can goat's rue induce lactation?

According to a 2017 study, galactagogue supplement containing Galega does have a role in supporting breastfeeding mothers and enhancing milk production during lactation. ⁽¹⁵⁾