Rutin is a member of a group of compounds called bioflavonoids, which are plant-based substances used in alternative medicine to produce a variety of beneficial health effects. Rutin is found in high concentrations in apricots, cherries, prunes, the white rind of citrus fruits, the core of green peppers, rose hips and buckwheat. Although rutin supplements are available over the counter, they should not be used medicinally without supervision by your doctor.
Identification and Dosing
Rutin is also called vitamin P, melin, oxerutin, quercetin, trihydroxyethylrutoside and sophorin, among other names. The typical daily dose is 1 to 2 g in divided doses for four weeks, reports Wellness.com. Human research studies of rutin have utilized doses up to 3.5 g. Rutin should also not be taken in combination with other bioflavonoids unless supervised by your doctor due to increased risk of overdose, warns Drugs.com.
Uses
Rutin provides nutritional support to blood vessels, including small vessels such as those in the eyes. It is used to treat recurrent bleeding from weak blood vessels, varicose veins, poor circulation, edema or swelling, hemorrhoids, and cirrhosis. Other uses are hay fever, viral infections such as oral herpes, stress, low serum calcium, and disorders of the eye such as glaucoma and cataracts. Rutin applied as a cream or ointment purportedly improves blood circulation.
Effectiveness
According to Wellness.com, rutin may have some beneficial effects for treating chronic venous insufficiency, which is a condition in which the veins cannot pump enough blood back to the heart, and edema. However, more reliable scientific research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of rutin for these and other health conditions.
Considerations
Rutin is considered to be generally safe when taken in recommended doses. Side effects reported from rutin are generally mild and resolve quickly. Rutin may cause allergic reactions, which should be urgently treated if severe. Rutin should be used with caution in the elderly and in the presence of skin disorders. It should be used during pregnancy only with supervision from your doctor and should be avoided during breast-feeding.
Member Comments