[4][5] G. officinalis is rich in galegine, a substance with blood glucose-lowering activity and the foundation for the discovery of metformin,[6] a treatment for managing symptoms of diabetes mellitus.

Widely distributed throughout temperate regions of the world, predominantly in Europe, the plant is a hardy perennial that blooms in the summer months on grasslands, wetlands, and riverbanks, and is classified as an invasive weed in many parts of North America.

[7][8] In addition to its purported effect to lower blood glucose levels and induce diuresis, goat's rue was used as a herbal tonic in folk medicine practices of medieval Europe to treat bubonic plague, worms, and snake bites.

[7][8] Once used in traditional medicine over centuries, G. officinalis is at the foundation of the biguanide class of antidiabetic drugs, which also included phenformin and buformin (both discontinued).

[7][11] Research on other compounds related to guanidine, including biguanide, led ultimately to the discovery of metformin (trade name, Glucophage), used in the 21st century for management of diabetes by decreasing liver glucose production and increasing insulin sensitivity of body tissues.