Rutin is a bioflavanoid found in plants, vegetables and fruits; its richest source is buckwheat, according to Phytochemicals. Rutin may benefit inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, inhibit the transition of aldose reductase into sorbital and benefit varicose veins, according to iHealthDirectory website. Rutin is available as a dietary supplement; it should be taken with the advice and under the supervision of a professional health care provider.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Rutin is an anti-inflammatory that works to ease conditions such as arthritis, back problems, atherosclerosis, asthma, dermatitis and ulcerative colitis, according to iHealthDirectory website. An abstract study published on Pub Med website in September 2001 by researchers T. Guardia et.al., of the National University in San Luis, Argentina, reports an investigation of the anti-inflammatory effects of the flavonoids rutin, quercetin and hesperidin in rats. The flavanoids were administered to the rats intra-peritoneal at doses equivalent to 80mg/kg daily. Results showed inhibiting effects in both the acute and chronic phases of inflammation, with rutin being most effective in the chronic inflammatory phase.
Inhibits Aldose Reductase
Rutin works to inhibit the transition of aldose reductase into sorbital, according to iHealthDirectory website. Aldose reductase is an enzyme predominantly located in the eye; it works to change glucose into sorbital. When too much sorbital becomes trapped in the eye it damages the cells and nerves of the eyes causing diabetic retinopathy, a condition that tends to affect individuals with diabetes and could lead to blindness. According to iHealthDirectory website, researchers are studying the effects of rutin in stabilizing sorbital levels in patients with diabetes.
Benefits Varicose Veins
According to iHealthDirectory website, rutin helps to improve circulation and may benefit conditions such as hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Varicose veins affect approximately 60 percent of American men and women, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Varicose veins are usually bluish, enlarged and twisted and cause poor circulation. In addition to their appearance there may be pain, discomfort and in some cases inflammation of the veins. According to the UMMC, rutin may help to strengthen or enhance the function of the veins and improve circulation. Oxerutins, flavonoids obtained from rutin, have shown to be effective in relieving the pain, aches and swelling experienced with varicose veins.
