Rutin

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Other names for rutin

Vitamin P
Sophorin
Quercetin-3-rutinoside

Synopsis of rutin

Rutin is a bioflavonoid—a type of plant pigment—also known as vitamin P or rutoside. It is found naturally in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, most notably in buckwheat, citrus peels, apples, onions, and elderflower. Rutin is composed of the flavonol quercetin bound to the disaccharide rutinose, which significantly influences its absorption and activity in the human body.

Medicinally, rutin is known for its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vascular-protective properties. It helps to strengthen blood vessels, reduce capillary fragility, and improve circulation, making it a valuable natural compound in the treatment of conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and bruising. Rutin is also considered beneficial for lowering blood pressure, inhibiting platelet aggregation, and supporting overall cardiovascular health.

In addition to vascular effects, rutin exhibits neuroprotective and anti-diabetic activities, helps reduce oxidative stress in neurological tissue, and is being explored for its potential in managing metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and even certain cancers. Its ability to inhibit enzymes such as aldose reductase also makes it a candidate for diabetic complication prevention. Rutin supplements are commonly used in integrative health protocols, often alongside other flavonoids like quercetin and hesperidin.

Historical Usage:
Though the isolated compound rutin was not identified until the 19th century, the medicinal plants containing it—such as buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and rue (Ruta graveolens)—have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The name "rutin" itself is derived from Ruta graveolens, a plant long used in European herbalism for its ability to tone blood vessels, relieve bruising, and treat vascular disorders.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, flavonoid-rich plants like Sophora japonica (Japanese pagoda tree) and buckwheat were used to treat bleeding disorders, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. Their ability to reduce internal bleeding, inflammation, and swelling was well known among traditional practitioners, even if the specific compound rutin had not yet been isolated.

In the mid-20th century, rutin was identified as one of the key “vitamin P” substances, a term once used to describe plant-based compounds that support capillary health. It was sometimes prescribed in Europe and the U.S. to treat purpura (a condition causing bleeding under the skin) and was included in multivitamin formulations for its vascular benefits.

As research in bioflavonoids expanded during the 20th century, rutin became a focus of pharmacological studies for its synergy with vitamin C. It was shown to protect and prolong the effects of ascorbic acid, further contributing to its popularity in immune-boosting and antioxidant supplements.

Rutin is used for these health conditions

Arteriosclerosis (Scientific)
Bleeding (internal) (Scientific)
Blood Clots (prevention of) (Scientific)
Bruises (healing) (Scientific)
Bruises (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Capillary Weakness (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Scientific)
Circulation (to the brain) (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Diabetic Retinopathy (Scientific)
Edema (Scientific)
Eye Problems (Traditional)
Gingivitis (Scientific)
Hemorrhoids (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Nerve Damage (Scientific)
Osteoporosis (Scientific)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Phlebitis (Scientific)

rutin is used to support these body systems

Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Scientific)
Capillaries (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Eyes (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Veins (Scientific)