What is Rutin?
Rutin is a flavonoid (plant-based compound) that is found in various fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It’s also known as rutoside, quercetrin, and sophorin. Rutin has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits.
The body doesn’t absorb rutin well when taken by mouth. Therefore, it’s often combined with other substances, such as vitamin C, to increase absorption.
Rutin is available in supplement form and can be found in some foods, such as:
– buckwheat
– apples
– oranges
– strawberries
– cabbage
Health Benefits
1. May Aid in Weight Loss
Rutin has been shown to reduce body weight and fat mass in animal studies. One rat study showed that rutin supplementation resulted in significant reductions in body weight, fat mass, and waist circumference.
Another study showed that rats given rutin for eight weeks had reduced levels of obesity-related hormones, such as leptin and resistin. These hormones are thought to play a role in the development of obesity.
Additionally, rutin may help prevent weight gain by reducing the absorption of fat from the diet. A rat study found that rutin supplementation decreased the amount of fat absorbed from a high-fat diet by up to 28%.
2. Could Reduce Inflammation
Rutin has potent anti-inflammatory effects and can help reduce inflammation in the body.
One test-tube study showed that rutin was as effective as the drug phenylbutazone at reducing inflammation.
Additionally, rutin may help treat inflammatory conditions, such as osteoarthritis. A rat study found that rutin supplementation significantly reduced symptoms of osteoarthritis, including joint pain and inflammation.
3. May Help Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Rutin may help lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and improving circulation.
One human study showed that people with high blood pressure who took rutin supplements for eight weeks had a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (the top number of a blood pressure reading).
4. May Boost Heart Health
Rutin may help protect the heart and reduce the risk of heart disease.
One animal study found that rutin supplementation prevented the formation of plaque in the arteries and improved heart function in rats with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) .
Another rat study found that rutin helped reduce cholesterol levels and protected against oxidative stress, both of which are risk factors for heart disease.
5. Could Improve Brain Function
Rutin may also improve brain function. One test-tube study showed that rutin was able to cross the blood-brain barrier and protected brain cells from damage .
Additionally, rutin may help treat Alzheimer’s disease. A test-tube study found that rutin protected brain cells from the damaging effects of beta-amyloid, a protein that’s linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
6. May Help Treat Diabetes
Rutin may also help treat diabetes. One animal study found that rutin supplementation improved insulin sensitivity and reduced levels of fasting blood sugar in rats with diabetes.
Another study found that rutin helped improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
7. Could Have Anticancer Effects
Rutin may also have anticancer effects. One test-tube study showed that rutin was able to kill colon cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Another test-tube study found that rutin inhibited the growth of lung, breast, and stomach cancer cells .
8. Other Potential Benefits
Rutin has also been shown to have other potential health benefits, including:
– Reducing the risk of cataracts: Rutin may help protect the eyes from damage and reduce the risk of cataracts.
– Treating hemorrhoids: Rutin supplements may help treat hemorrhoids by reducing inflammation .
– Enhancing wound healing: Rutin may speed up the healing of wounds by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.
Side Effects and Precautions
Rutin is generally considered safe and has few reported side effects. The most common side effect is nausea.
Dosage
There is no recommended dosage for rutin, as it is not an essential nutrient. However, doses of up to 1 gram per day have been safely used in studies.
Mechanism of Action
The exact mechanism of action for rutin is unknown. However, it is thought to work by inhibiting the activity of enzymes that contribute to inflammation.
Interactions
Rutin may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and blood pressure-lowering drugs. Therefore, it’s important to speak to your doctor before taking rutin supplements.
Pharmacokinetics
Rutin is rapidly absorbed from the gut and distributed throughout the body. It’s thought to be metabolized in the liver and then excreted in the urine.
To get the most out of rutin supplements, it’s best to take them with food. This helps increase absorption.
