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Rutin is a bioflavonoid and antioxidant that is found in many fruits, vegetables, and grains. The richest source is buckwheat, but it is also found in citrus, black tea, and apple peels. Once rutin in consumed, the body metabolizes much of it to quercetin (see entry for Quercetin), another potent antioxidant. Therefore, rutin and quercetin possess similar qualities, which makes both of them effective against inflammation, blood circulation problems, and cell damage. Rutin circulates in the bloodstream, finding free radicals or poisonous metals and inactivating them, (Kostyuk 1998), which makes rutin a potential agent in the inhibition of the development of cancer.
Rutin also offers some other health benefits, including the ability to enhance the potency of vitamin C and to strength capillaries and provide some anti-inflammatory benefits. (Laemmel 1998) At least one study indicates that rutin, as well as quercetin, may also help lower cholesterol. (Jeong 2005)
Because the intestinal tract can absorb only about 17 percent of rutin in food, some people decide to take rutin supplements in tablet form. Consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider to determine the best dose for your needs. Rutin is also found in combination supplements with other bioflavonoids. Some people are allergic to quercetin, so if you are one of them, you should not take rutin.
References
Jeong YJ et al. Differential inhibition of oxidized LDL-induced apoptosis in human endothelial cells treated with different flavonoids. Br J Nutr 2005 May; 93(5): 581-91
Kostyuk VA, Potapovich AL. Antiradical and chelating effects in flavonoid protection against silica-induced cell injury. Arch Biochem Biophys 1998 Jul 1; 355(1): 43-48
Laemmel E et al. Microcirculatory consequences of a venous striction in the rat. Effect of a coumarine-rutine association. J Mal Vasc 1998 Jun; 23(3): 176-82
Phytochemicals.info: http://www.phytochemicals.info/phytochemicals/rutin.php
