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An analysis of the reasons behind the substitution of toxic and hazardous plants for Ruta graveolens L. (Sodab) in traditional medicine and the medicinal plant market of Iran
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Mohammad Reza Joharchi *   , Sahar Jalali , Farrokh Ghahremaninejad |
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Abstract: (265 Views) |
Background and Purpose: In classical Persian Medicine, there are different perspectives regarding the nature of the medicinal plant Sodab, which is often referred to in three distinct types. The aim of this study was to examine Sodab specimens available in Iran’s medicinal plant market and to compare them with the descriptions in traditional texts from a botanical perspective.
Materials and Methods: Sources of Persian Traditional Medicine concerning Sodab were carefully reviewed using a library-based method, and plant samples marketed under the name Sodab were collected from herbal shops in all provincial centers of Iran. These specimens were then identified at the Herbarium of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad.
Results: The results showed that the three types of Sodab mentioned in Persian medical texts represent three different plant taxa. None of the specimens available in the market were the real Sodab; instead, they all belonged to species of the genus Euphorbia.
Conclusion: Scholars of Persian Medicine described three types of Sodab: Sodab Bostani, identified as the real medicinal Rue (Ruta graveolens); Sodab Barri, corresponding to Peganum harmala; and Sodab Koohi, corresponding to species of Euphorbia. Examination of herbal shop samples across the country revealed that none of them contained the real Sodab (Ruta graveolens), but rather species of Euphorbia that are offered as a dangerous substitute. |
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| Keywords: Euphorbia, Ruta, Peganum |
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Full-Text [PDF 715 kb]
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Memorial article: Origianal Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/07/7 | Accepted: 2025/09/15
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