Introduction

Rutin [chemical name - quercetin-3-rutinoside (other names - ruteside and sophorin)], is a citrus flavonoid glycoside. The term "rutin" was derived from Ruta graveolens, one of the plants that it was isolated from. Rutin is contained in the leaves and petioles of Rheum species, the fruit of the Brazilian Fava D'Anta tree, Buckwheat and from other plants.

In nature, plants use rutin to help them more easily obtain nutrients from the soil and into their root systems. Because certain minerals present in the soil are in the cationic (positively charged) form, rutin is useful, because it can combine with the minerals in this form. In effect, rutin helps to extract the minerals from the soil and into the roots for the plants benefit.

In humans, rutin attaches to iron in the Fe²⁺ state (this is a chemical way of saying, Iron with 2 positive charges). Remember, Fe²⁺ is a cation, and since rutin can combine with cations in the soil, rutin can also combine with cations inside of us! This is beneficial since by combining with iron, blocks it from otherwise combining with hydrogen peroxide. When rutin isn't present, and iron combines with hydrogen peroxide, highly-reactive "cell-damaging "free-radical is formed. These are what we call "antioxidant properties" of rutin. Antioxidants have a role in the prevention of cancers and other illnes from the progressive cell damage of free radical activity in the human.

Rutin has the ability to strengthen capillaries (very small blood vessels connecting arteries and veins). In medicine, this may help in reducing the bleeding tendency of haemophilia (blood clotting disorder). Rutin ( ferulic acid form) slightly reduces the ability of oxidized LDL cholesterol to damage cells. Reducing the cell damaging ability of LDL cholesterol reduces the risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) disease (eg. heart attack, stroke).

Rutin has a medical use for the benefit of our animal friends. Rutin is implemented in the management of chylothorax (pleural effusion, or leakage in the thoracic cavity) in dogs and cats. Sometimes, heartworm infection and other illnesses causing trauma to the chest cavity, create small leaks. Rutin can help strengthen the defects from the above mentioned ways it can help humans.