According to the Linus Pauling Institute, flavonoids are a large family of compounds produced by plants, and rutin is a flavonoid found in foods such as buckwheat, berries, citrus fruits and green tea. Rutin might be therapeutic for varicose veins, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions associated with inflammation, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune diseases.
Varicose Veins
According to the Mayo Clinic, varicose veins are enlarged veins near the surface of the skin. Legs and feet are most commonly affected. Multiple studies have shown that rutin might improve venous circulation by decreasing capillary permeability and strengthening vein walls.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
According to the Mayo Clinic, rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints that causes pain, swelling and joint deformity. An anti-inflammatory diet and inflammation-reducing foods might be helpful for rheumatoid arthritis. More specifically, according to a study from the journal "Arthritis Research and Therapy," rutin was able to decrease levels of inflammatory markers and symptoms of arthritis in mice.
Decreasing Inflammation
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, flavonoids such as rutin might help decrease inflammation in the body through a number of cell signaling pathways. Chronic inflammation is associated with a number of health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Rutin decreases inflammation by modulating the immune system, which might make it valuable for a number of health conditions, but further research is needed to verify its potential.
Antioxidant
Rutin also is an antioxidant, as are other flavonoids. Research indicates that antioxidants play roles in slowing the aging process and in cancer prevention. It should be noted that the Linus Pauling Institute says that while flavonoids have antioxidant value in the test tube, their activity is likely much lower in the body than other antioxidants, such as vitamin C.
Incorporating Rutin into the Diet
Foods that contain rutin are simple to incorporate into your diet on a daily basis. Buckwheat can be eaten in the form of soba noodles, and can be used in making breads, kasha and pancakes. Eat berries alone or in smoothies, with yogurt, or add to your cereal in the morning. Citrus fruits are a perfect dessert or accompaniment to breakfast. Drink green tea on a daily basis, hot or iced. For some sweetness, add a small amount of honey or fruit juice. Rutin also is available in supplement form, most commonly in formulas designed for varicose veins.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Flavonoids
- "European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology"; Leg edema protection from a buckwheat herb tea in patients with chronic venous insufficiency: a single-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial; N. Ihme N, et al; 1996
- "American Journal of Physiology"; Mechanism of Action of Vitamin P Flavanoid (Rutin) on the Cutaneous Circulation; A. Schiller, et al; May 1951
- "Arthritis Research and Therapy"; Rutoside decreases human macrophage-derived inflammatory mediators and improves clinical signs in adjuvant-induced arthritis; T. Kauss et al; Jan 2008
- Mayoclinic: Rheumatoic Arthritis
