Rubin: benefits, how to use and side effects

The rubin, also known as macaé (Leonurus sibiricus), is a plant native to Asia, which is about 70 cm tall and has purple flowers. This plant has several medicinal properties and adapts well to adverse weather conditions, which contributes to its easy growth and reproduction. In Brazil, it is most commonly found in coastal zone states, especially in the south and southeast.

One of the most common ways to use ruby is in the form of tea, traditionally used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, irregularities in the menstrual cycle, menopausal symptoms and anxiety. These health benefits are attributed to chemical compounds present in the plant, such as flavonoids, tannins and triterpenes, which have antioxidant properties.

In laboratory studies with animal models, ruby leaf extract has been shown to have an antiarrhythmic effect, reducing elevated heart rate in rabbits.

Other scientific research has investigated the sedative (calming), hypotensive (lowering blood pressure) and cardiotonic (increasing the heart's force of contraction) effects of ruby, which are already recognized by alternative medicine. In that study, 50 volunteers with high blood pressure, anxiety and sleep disorders were treated with ruby oil extract for 28 days. The researchers observed a significant improvement in high blood pressure, anxiety symptoms and sleep quality in these patients.