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What Are the Health Benefits of Rutin?

Jun 14, 2011 | By Linda Tarr Kent
What Are the Health Benefits of Rutin?
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Rutin is a bioflavonoid found in rose hips, black currants, the rind of green citrus fruits, in tea, in buckwheat seeds and in berries like mulberry. While it has many potential benefits, more scientific research is needed to confirm them. Always consult your doctor before trying a new supplement and be aware that no regulated manufacturing standards for herbal compounds are in place, making it important to use products from reputable manufacturers.

Flavonoid Benefits

Rutin is a source of flavonoids that have antioxidant activity. Antioxidants help your body fight cell-damaging free radicals. While rutin does elevate the levels of flavanoids found in blood plasma, including quercetin. isorhamnetin and kaempferol , when it is taken by humans its effectiveness as an antioxidant remains in question, says S.P. Boyle, lead author of a study published in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition." However, while flavonoids are often touted for their antioxidant activity, many of their effects actually appear to be related to the flavonoids' ability to modulate cell-signaling pathways as opposed to their antioxidant activity, reports Oregon State University. Eating flavonoid-rich foods is associated reduced risk for cardiovascular disease risk, but it's unclear whether the flavonoids themselves are the element that brings cardioprotective results, notes OSU. Also, while results in animal studies are promising, it's unclear whether a high flavonoid intake can help you reduce your risk for cancer.

Circulation Benefits

Rutin may support blood circulation by inhibiting platelet aggregation. That means it makes your the blood thinner and helps you avoid blood clots. Rutin inhibits thromboxane formation in human platelets that is stimulated by collagen, says J.R. Sheu, lead author for a study published in the "Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry." While lab studies on human blood cells and animals look promising, however, more research is needed to verify the possible benefits for humans. One double-blind clinical study on a rutin derivative, hydroxyethylrutosides, found that the derivative improved symptoms like pain as well as blood flow in people with varicose veins, notes Michael Murray, author of "The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines."

Anti-Inflammatory Action

Animal studies indicate that rutin has potential for anti-inflammatory action. In fact, it appears most active in the chronic phase of inflammation, writes T. Guardia, lead author for a study published in the Italian journal "Farmaco." Guardia's research was done on rats. Benefits found in animal studies do not always translate to benefits in people.

Vitamin C Boost

Rutin may boost the action of vitamin C in your body. This can lead to better support of the collagen structures in your body, Murray says. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It is the main factor in the integrity of your ligaments, cartilage and tendons and maintains the integrity of the matrix that holds cells together. Vitamin C also is an antioxidant that boosts your immune system, appears to have cancer-fighting properties, helps maintain efficient cell function and keeps urinary tract bacteria levels low, notes "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Menopause," by Maureen Miller Pelletier and Deborah S. Romaine.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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