Evidence supporting the use of: Rutin
For the health condition: Diabetic Retinopathy

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Rutin is a flavonoid glycoside found in various plants, including buckwheat, citrus fruits, and apples. Its use to support or treat diabetic retinopathy is primarily based on its pharmacological properties rather than traditional medicine. Several preclinical studies suggest that rutin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasoprotective effects, which are relevant in the context of diabetic retinopathy—a microvascular complication of diabetes characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, and capillary damage in the retina.

Experimental studies in animal models of diabetes have shown that rutin supplementation can reduce retinal oxidative stress, inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), and decrease vascular permeability. These effects are thought to protect retinal blood vessels and slow the progression of retinopathy. For example, a 2017 study published in Phytotherapy Research demonstrated that rutin treatment in diabetic rats improved retinal structure and reduced markers of oxidative damage. In vitro studies also indicate that rutin can inhibit inflammation-induced damage to retinal endothelial cells.

However, clinical evidence in humans is limited. There are few, if any, well-conducted randomized controlled trials evaluating rutin specifically for diabetic retinopathy. Most evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies, which, while promising, do not provide strong clinical validation. Therefore, while there is a scientific rationale and some preliminary evidence supporting its use, the overall strength of evidence is modest (rated 2/5), and more research—particularly in human subjects—is needed before routine clinical use can be recommended.

More about rutin
More about Diabetic Retinopathy