Rue - Velban (Vinblastine) Interaction
Herbal: Rue
Also Known As: Ruta graveolens, Aruta, Arvada, Common Rue, Garden Rue, German Rue, Herb-of-Grace, Herbe à la Belle-Fille, Herbygrass, Raute, Ruda, Rue Officinale, Rue Puante, Ruta Grav, Rutae Folium, Rutae Herba, Sadapaka, Satap, Sudabugida, Sudapa
Drug: Vinblastine
Brand names:
Velban
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jun 29, 2025
Interaction Details
Vinblastine is classified as belonging to the following category: Photosensitizing Drugs
Theoretically, rue might increase the risk for phototoxicity when used with photosensitizing drugs.
Rue contains photosensitizing furanocoumarins and psoralens and has been associated with multiple reports of phototoxic reactions. There is also one case report of an increased phototoxic response to psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy associated with ingestion of rue.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Puig L. Pharmacodynamic interaction with phototoxic plants during PUVA therapy. Br J Dermatol 1997;136:973-4.
- Radotra I, Gardiner S, Barnes D. A phytophototoxic injury at a burns unit: the ungraceful after-effects of the "common rue" plant. J Burn Care Res. 2018;39(6):1064-6.
- Avallone G, Mastorino L, Agostini A, et al. Ruta graveolens phytophotodermatitis. Dermatol Online J 2021;27(7).
Rue Overview
Rue (Ruta graveolens) is a plant native to southern Europe. It is a perennial shrub with blue-green leaves and small, yellow flowers. Rue has a strong, bitter smell and is often used in traditional medicine and cooking.
Rue has a number of purported health benefits, including the ability to reduce inflammation and improve digestion. It is also thought to have antispasmodic and pain-relieving properties, which may make it helpful for treating conditions such as menstrual cramps and headaches. Topically, it is used as an insect repellent.
Vinblastine Overview
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Vinblastine is used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (types of cancer that begin in a type of white blood cell that normally fights infection), and cancer of the testicles. It is also used to treat Langerhans cell histiocytosis (histiocytosis X; Letterer-Siwe disease; a condition in which too many of a certain type of white blood cell grows in parts of the body). It may also be used to treat breast cancer that has not improved after treatment with other medications and gestational trophoblastic tumors (a type of tumor that forms inside a woman's uterus while she is pregnant) that has not improved after surgery or treatment with other medications. Vinblastine is in a class of medications called vinca alkaloids. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body.
Rue - More Interactions
Rue interacts with 333 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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