Rutin is a bioflavonoid compound that occurs naturally within the rinds and pulp of citrus fruits and mulberries, as well as in buckwheat and black tea. Other plants also containing rutin include hydrangea and forsythia. Discovered in 1930, rutin was originally designated as a vitamin, but later reclassified. Rutin is sold commercially as an herbal supplement, as is a chemical analog of rutin, called oxerutin. Rutin supplements should only be used under supervision of a physician, because not all uses have FDA approval and there are some side effects.
Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are naturally occurring compounds found in many plants and are responsible for their color and flavor. More than 4,000 varieties have been found occurring in fruits, vegetables, flowers, leaves, stems, grains and bark. Study of the potential benefits of bioflavonoids began in earnest after the discovery of the French Paradox, which showed a decreased incidence of death due to cardiovascular problems in the red wine drinking regions of the Mediterranean. Originally isolated from the rinds of oranges in the 1930s, rutin was given the name vitamin P. It has since been reclassified as a bioflavonoid, although it is still referred to as vitamin P in some of the literature.
Mechanism of Action
Bioflavonoids such as rutin function as an antioxidant. The body is constantly being bombarded with free radicals that are produced from the metabolism of oxygen. Antioxidants work to mop up these free radicals and remove them. Rutin and other bioflavonoids also work in conjunction with vitamin C to strengthen the blood capillaries, in collagen formation, bolstering the immune system and in wound healing.
Benefits of Rutin Supplements
Rutin, and its chemical analog oxerutin, are available for use as herbal supplements for a variety of disorders. They have been widely used in Europe since the 1960s in the treatment of circulation disorders that cause fluid to leak out of the blood vessels and swelling, including venous insufficiency, varicose veins and post-surgical lymphedema. Rutin also reduces the stickiness of platelets and may be useful as a blood thinning agent. Bioflavonoids have some anti-inflammatory properties and are used by some to reduce the swelling associated with hemorrhoids. More studies are needed, but bioflavonoids such as rutin may have use in the future as anti-viral and anti-cancer agents.
Potential Side Effects
Herbal supplements containing rutin and oxerutin appear to be essentially safe up to doses of 3,000 mg per day. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center states the most common side effects are gastrointestinal in nature, along with dizziness and headache. Stomach problems may be avoided by taking the supplement early in the day along with a full meal and to refrain from lying down immediately after taking it. Taking rutin supplements on an empty stomach can lead to the development of GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. The supplement causes irritation of the stomach lining, leading to erosion of the esophageal sphincter and resulting in GERD. Drugs.com recommends taking rutin herbal supplements with a full glass of water and not to use different formulations of the supplement at the same time.
References
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition": "Flavonoids: A Review of Probable Mechanisms of Action and Potential Applications"; Robert J Nijveldt et al; October 2001; Vol. 74, No. 4, 418-425
- Acu-Cell Nutrition: Bioflavonoids
- Ray Sahelian, M.D.: Rutin Supplement Health Benefit
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: Oxerutins
- Drugs.com: Rutin
Member Comments