Rutin is a flavonol glycoside comprised of the quercetin and the disaccharide rutinose (rhamnose and glucose). It is found in many plants, fruits and vegetables. The richest source is buckwheat. Rutin is also found in citrus fruits, noni, black tea, apple peel. Pure Rutin is yellow or yellow-green colored needle-shaped crystal. Rutin is considered to be an important nutritional supplement because of its ability to strengthen capillaries, whereby helping people suffering from arteriosclerosis (the hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure or venous insufficiency. Rutin supplementation prevents the breakdown of vitamin C in the body before it is metabolized and intensifies its beneficial immune-enhancing effects in the body. Rutin may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antithrombotic, cytoprotective and vasoprotective activities. It may help strengthen capillaries, protect against some toxins and have anti-inflammatory effects, as well as some anticancer effects. It may also help prevent the oxidation of vitamin C and have some positive lipid effects.
Rutin has strong antioxidant properties. It has also the property to chelate metal ions, such as iron, thereby reducing the Fenton reaction (production damaging oxygen radicals). Rutin also seems to stabilize vitamin C. If Rutin is taken together with vitamin C, the activity of ascorbic will be intensified. Rutin is important because it strengthens capillaries and can help people who bruise or bleed easily. Studies have demonstrated that Rutin can help to stop venous edema, which is an early sign of chronic venous disease of the leg. It may help to prevent atherogenesis and reduce the cytotoxicity of oxidized LDL-cholesterol. Current research claims that Rutin supplements may promote healthy cholesterol levels in the blood, thereby promoting good circulation and possibly reducing hypertension.
References:
PDR Health. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/rut_0230.shtml
http://www.phytochemicals.info/phytochemicals/rutin.php
http://www.herbalextractsplus.com/rutin.cfm
