Top 4 Rutin Benefits (Rutoside, Quercetin-3-O-rutinoside) - LiftMode (2019)

Rutin is a powerful bioflavonoid and phytonutrient found in most fruits and vegetables. Often referred to as “Vitamin P”, Rutin is comprised of a quercetin molecule bound to a sugar molecule called rutinose. Gut bacteria help break down this sugar molecule enabling Rutin’s beneficial effects to be released and absorbed by the colon. Meaning consuming more soil-based organisms like probiotics or organic vegetables ensures proper assimilation of the Rutin qualities. [1] Rutin was historically used in traditional medicines to treat conditions associated with poor blood flow, chronic pain and high cholesterol. It is currently studied for its neuroprotective, cardiovascular and blood health-boosting abilities. These benefits stem from this bioflavonoid’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This article focuses on the top recognized benefits of Rutin, its uses and recommended dosage. If you’d like more information about this potent dietary supplement, please refer to our complimentary blog post here or the product description.

 

Top 4 Rutin Benefits and Effects

Rutin has a number of incredible benefits. Rutin extract is considered to have powerful antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Additionally, current research is finding Rutin to be effective in treating various chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction.[2] Below is a list of the top Rutin benefits.  

1. Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

A great benefit of Rutin is its ability to fight oxidative stress. This antioxidant is naturally found in high amounts in foods like apples, citrus fruits, black tea and in Rutin or Quercetin extracts. An antioxidant’s function is to destroy ‘free radicals’ – these are chemical substances in the body that cause damage to your DNA. When there is an overload of free radicals in the body, this leads to a phenomenon called oxidative stress, increasing the risk of several diseases. [3] Consuming more antioxidant-rich foods or supplements has been found to slow the pace of damage and promote a healthy immune system. [4] In addition, animal studies show that Rutin may reduce inflammation and chronic joint pain.  One study in Russian found Rutin to inhibit the production of free radicals in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis [5]  

1. Improves Blood Flow

As a powerful bioflavonoid, Rutin is being examined for its abilities to improve blood circulation and prevent blood clots. In traditional medicine, Rutin was used to heal blood-related disorders. In fact, researchers found Rutin to be a natural treatment for varicose veins, haemorrhoids, as well as to reduce leg swelling and heaviness. [6] Further, researchers studied Rutin as an alternative treatment for thrombosis – a condition causing the formation of blood clots in arteries and veins which is associated with increased risk for stroke/heart attack. Rutin, or Quercetrin-3-rutinoside, was found to inhibit both in vivo and in vitro formation of blood clots in thrombosis by blocking the enzyme disulfide isomerase (PDI), an essential component in the development of this disease. [7]  

1. Supports a Healthy Metabolism

One of the top attributes of Rutin is that it supports a healthy metabolism. In fact, Rutin was found to be a promising treatment for metabolic syndrome. Metabolic dysfunction is comprised of 3 or more symptoms, including elevated blood pressure, high blood glucose, cholesterol and increased fat around the waist. These symptoms are associated with increased risk in getting type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.[8] In rat models, scientists found flavonoids such as Rutin to be effective in the prevention of metabolic dysfunction by inhibiting such spikes, reducing inflammation and lipid accumulation. [9]  

1. Strengthens Heart and Brain Health

Rutin may have cardiovascular and neuroprotective properties. Maintaining a healthy heart and brain is crucial to our well-being. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease accounts for around 17 million deaths per year. Recent medical literature suggests that Rutin may help treat CVD –  by maintaining blood vessel elasticity, decreasing blood vessel fragility, lowering capillary permeability and preventing complications linked to hypertension.[10] [11] One study evaluated the effects of Rutin on the heart and liver tissues of rats on a high-alcohol and hypercaloric diet for 95 days. After 53 days on the diet, Rutin was administered every 3 days for a period of 9 days. At the end of the study, overall liver and heart function improved due to the decrease in total lipids or “bad cholesterol” and an increase in “good cholesterol” or HDL-cholesterol – as opposed to the control. Thus, Rutin may be a promising alternative to reduce the risks of cardiovascular and liver disease.[12] Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, researchers believe Rutin can protect us against brain injuries and neurodegenerative disease. Studies are being conducted to test the effects of Rutin in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The researchers believe that Rutin protects the brain by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing antioxidant enzyme activity.[13]

Side Effects and Dosage

Although there is no precise RDA for Rutin (vitamin P), studies have found 500 mg to 4 g daily to be generally well tolerated.  Since Rutin and Quercetin are usually found together in nature, combining the two pure extracts would make for a great stack. If you decide to combine them, it is recommended to take half the serving size of each. Side effects of using Rutin are generally rare and mild when taken in recommended doses. Some may experience some minor side effects including rashes, digestive upset, headaches and flushing. Before taking any supplement or medication, be sure to consult your doctor. There isn’t enough evidence evaluating the safety of Rutin for pregnant or nursing women, it is best to avoid it. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED SERVING SIZE FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT.  

Conclusion

As we gathered above, the chief benefits Rutin are its abilities to improve heart and brain health and improve circulation. Rutin can be found most fruits and veggies but is especially high in apricots, cherries, grapefruit, plums, apples, buckwheat and capers. Rutin is a widely consumed supplement because of its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It may also be beneficial in preventing and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, a condition with the highest mortality rates in the world. For more info on Rutin, please refer to our product description page!  

Citations and Supporting Literature

[1] Salaritabar, A., Darvishi, B., Hadjiakhoondi, F., Manayi, A., Sureda, A., Nabavi, S. F., … Bishayee, A. (2017). Therapeutic potential of flavonoids in inflammatory bowel disease: A comprehensive review. World journal of gastroenterology, 23(28), 5097–5114. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i28.5097 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537178/ [2] Al-Dhabi, N. A., Arasu, M. V., Park, C. H., & Park, S. U. (2015). An up-to-date review of rutin and its biological and pharmacological activities. EXCLI journal, 14, 59–63. doi:10.17179/excli2014-663 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4614038/ [3] Pham-Huy LA, He H, Pham-Huy C. Free radicals, antioxidants in disease andhealth. Int J Biomed Sci. 2008 Jun;4(2):89-96. PubMed PMID: 23675073; PubMedCentral PMCID: PMC3614697. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23675073 [4] Free Radicals, Antioxidants in Disease and Health, LA Pham-Huy et al., Int J Biomed Sci. 2008 Jun; 4(2): 89–96. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23675073 [5]Ostrakhovitch EA, Afanas'ev IB. Oxidative stress in rheumatoid arthritisleukocytes: suppression by rutin and other antioxidants and chelators. Biochem Pharmacol. 2001 Sep 15;62(6):743-6. PubMed PMID: 11551519. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11551519 [6]Mansilha, A., & Sousa, J. (2018). Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Chronic Venous Disease and Implications for Venoactive Drug Therapy. International journal of molecular sciences, 19(6), 1669. doi:10.3390/ijms19061669 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6032391/ [7] Bekendam, R. H., & Flaumenhaft, R. (2016). Inhibition of Protein Disulfide Isomerase in Thrombosis. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 119, 42–48. doi:10.1111/bcpt.12573 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26408919 [8] “Metabolic Syndrome”, can be found on MayoClinic.org  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/metabolic-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-2035191 [9] Li T, Chen S, Feng T, Dong J, Li Y, Li H. Rutin protects against aging-related metabolic dysfunction. Food Funct. 2016 Feb;7(2):1147-54. doi: 10.1039/c5fo01036e. PubMed PMID: 26804783. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26804783 [10] Chuffa LG, Fioruci-Fontanelli BA, Bordon JG, Pires RB, Braga CP, Seiva FR, Fernandes AA. Rutin ameliorates glycemic index, lipid profile and enzymatic activities in serum, heart and liver tissues of rats fed with a combination of hypercaloric diet and chronic ethanol consumption. Indian J Biochem Biophys. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5729704/#b13-etm-0-0-5365 [11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24879037 Hosseinzadeh H, Nassiri-Asl M. Review of the protective effects of rutin on the metabolic function as an important dietary flavonoid. J Endocrinol Invest. 2014;37:783–788. doi: 10.1007/s40618-014-0096-3. [12] Chuffa & al., op., cit., 10 [13]  de Andrade Teles, R. B., Diniz, T. C., Costa Pinto, T. C., de Oliveira Júnior, R. G., Gama E Silva, M., de Lavor, É. M., … da Silva Almeida, J. (2018). Flavonoids as Therapeutic Agents in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidences. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2018, 7043213. doi:10.1155/2018/7043213  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5971291/