RUTIN

Rutin, a bioflavonoid, is a water-soluble antioxidant that is widely distributed in the plant kingdom. It is often found together with vitamin C in fruits and potentates vitamin C activity within the body. Rutin is particularly concentrated in buckwheat. In 1942, researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture postulated the important physiological effect of rutin on capillary blood vessels. The USDA also discovered that buckwheat was an economical source for isolating rutin and developed manufacturing procedures.

Bioflavonoids, in general, are essential for the processing of vitamin C within the body, the maintenance of capillary walls and the fortification of collagen, the intercellular "cement" of the body. A deficiency of rutin in the diet has been linked with abnormal capillary leakiness as well as pain in the extremities causing aches, weakness and night leg cramps. Supplemental rutin has been shown to reduce edema or excess swelling in the legs due to fluid retention. Like other bioflavonoids, rutin works best when given with vitamin C and other bioflavonoids. Rutin and other flavonoids are widely used for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). In clinical trials, rutin has demonstrated its activity by improving venous tone and vein elasticity. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies have shown an improvement in signs and symptoms related to chronic venous insufficiency including heavy legs, edema, paresthesia and cramps.

Additionally, a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study has shown that treatment with rutin for 2 weeks improved body temperature and was effective in controlling chronic venous hypertension, without side effect, and with good tolerability. Clinical research also shows that rutin can prevent the progression of micro-angiopathy to clinical stages and can prevent neuropathy. This is of particular importance for diabetic patients. Studies show that rutin is also effective treating hemorrhoids and reducing plasma free radicals both locally and systemically.

Standardized rutin extracts used in antioxidant products and multivitamin and mineral supplements.

They are used for

- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Bleeding (recurrent)
- Capillary Fragility
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency
- Circulatory Disorders
- Cramps (legs)
- Free Radical Related Diseases
- Hemorrhoids
- Leg Vein Health
- Nocturnal Leg Cramps
- Pain (lower extremities)
- Vascular Disorders

Rutin is a polyphenolic compound classified as a bioflavonoid that is widely distributed in the plant kingdom. Rutin is found especially concentrated in buckwheat seeds, eucalyptus leaves and citrus rinds as a non-bitter tasting flavonoid glycoside (rutoside), together with other flavonoids. Bioflavonoids are often found together with vitamin C in fruits. Buckwheats are considered the most useful sources of rutin in food. Therefore, the development of buckwheat varieties that have high rutin content in seed is of interest to growers and manufacturers of buckwheat rutin products. As for the seed rutin content, researchers have already reported the varietal difference in two cultivated buckwheat species, common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and tartary buckwheat (F. tataricum). Research on genetic variation within varieties and strains has shown that it is possible to produce crops with high (33 mg) and low (13 mg) ruitn content relatively easily by individual selection.

Suggested Amount:

The recommended daily dose of rutin ranges from between 1000mg to over 3000mg daily, depending upon the severity of the condition being treated. Significant healing of blood vessels with rutin can occur within only two weeks, although it is best to use flavonoids in therapeutic dosages for several months and then continue with maintenance dosages thereafter to produce and maintain the best results.

Drug Interactions:

Rutin and other bioflavonoids tend to reduce blood platelet stickiness in a beneficial way and therefore may reduce the dosage required for blood thinners.

Contraindications:

Bioflavonoids, including rutin, tend to reduce blood platelet stickiness and therefore individuals taking blood thinners should consult with their physician prior to commencing supplementation. 

Side Effects:

No signs of toxicity have been observed with the normal intake of rutin or other flavonoids.

Rutin as a Component of 'Vitamin P':

Citrus bioflavonoids were first identified by Albert Szent-Gyorgyi in 1936, winner of The Nobel Prize for the discovery of vitamin C. He reported that citrus bioflavonoids strengthened blood vessel walls and prevented capillary permeability in ways that vitamin C did not. Indeed, he called these bioflavonoids 'vitamin P' after the Permeability factor because they prevented the permeability of capillaries. It was in the course of isolating vitamin C that he came across the bioflavonoids. Certain vitamin C deficiency symptoms, such as easy bruising and bleeding gums, were found in early studies to be relieved by crude vitamin C extract but not by purified vitamin C. Bioflavonoids were found to be the essential component in correcting this bruising tendency and improving the permeability and integrity of capillary walls. It so happened that Szent-Gyorgyi had a friend with bleeding gums and thought this condition might have something to do with a vitamin C deficiency. He gave the man some raw, impure vitamin C, and sure enough the bleeding gums cleared up. Later on, confronted by a recurrence of bleeding gums, he decided to try again; this time with pure vitamin C. He expected to observe an even more dramatic result but it did not occur. The man's gums went right on bleeding. Szent-Gyorgyi re-examined his earlier preparation and decided that the effective impurity was bioflavonoids. He then tried these by themselves, and reported that they worked. He named these substances "vitamin P." Bioflavonoids thus first came into use as protectors of capillaries, the tiniest blood vessels in the body. Later studies disputed his findings because a deficiency state could not be identified and so these compounds (including rutin) never actually attained full vitamin status. This is because there are over 4,000 different flavonoids with different properties and biological activities. Later studies done by Dr. Jacques Masquelier of France found that certain bioflavonoids called oligomeric proanthocyanidins (concentrated in grape seeds, grape skins, red wine, pine bark and many tree leaves)

Additional Information:

The Nobel Prize for the discovery of vitamin C. He reported that citrus bioflavonoids strengthened blood vessel walls and prevented capillary permeability in ways that vitamin C did not. Indeed, he called these bioflavonoids 'vitamin P' after the Permeability factor because they prevented the permeability of capillaries. It was in the course of isolating vitamin C that he came across the bioflavonoids. Certain vitamin C deficiency symptoms, such as easy bruising and bleeding gums, were found in early studies to be relieved by crude vitamin C extract but not by purified vitamin C. Bioflavonoids were found to be the essential component in correcting this bruising tendency and improving the permeability and integrity of capillary walls. It so happened that Szent-Gyorgyi had a friend with bleeding gums and thought this condition might have something to do with a vitamin C deficiency. He gave the man some raw, impure vitamin C, and sure enough the bleeding gums cleared up. Later on, confronted by a recurrence of bleeding gums, he decided to try again; this time with pure vitamin C. He expected to observe an even more dramatic result but it did not occur. The man's gums went right on bleeding. Szent-Gyorgyi re-examined his earlier preparation and decided that the effective impurity was bioflavonoids. He then tried these by themselves, and reported that they worked. He named these substances "vitamin P." Bioflavonoids thus first came into use as protectors of capillaries, the tiniest blood vessels in the body. Later studies disputed his findings because a deficiency state could not be identified and so these compounds (including rutin) never actually attained full vitamin status. This is because there are over 4,000 different flavonoids with different properties and biological activities. Later studies done by Dr. Jacques Masquelier of France found that certain bioflavonoids called oligomeric proanthocyanidins (concentrated in grape seeds, grape skins, red wine, pine bark and many tree leaves)