What Are the Benefits of Rutin Supplements?

Rutin supplements have potential benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and helping with autism symptoms. Rutin is available as a supplement in tablet and capsule forms.

Rutin is a plant pigment, or bioflavonoid, that is also found naturally in common foods like apple peels, black tea, asparagus, buckwheat, onions, green tea, figs, and most citrus fruit. Rutin contains quercetin, an antioxidant shown to reduce inflammation.

This article discusses rutin supplements and food sources, as well as potential benefits and side effects associated with taking rutin supplements.

Benefits of Rutin

To date, very few clinical trials have tested the potential health benefits of rutin. The little research that has been done often uses a supplement formulation with multiple ingredients, making it difficult to determine which component had any effect.

Circulation

Different studies have assessed rutin's role in conditions affecting the blood vessels, including chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition that affects the venous systems in the lower limbs. In CVI, the venous valves in the legs are not working correctly, causing blood to flow back downward and pool in the veins. This can cause leg discomfort, heaviness, cramps, and pain.

in a 2015 systematic review, study authors concluded that a partially synthetic derivative of rutin called hydroxyethylrutosides moderately improved symptoms of CVI. However, better-quality studies are needed.

Varicose Veins

Pregnancy can increase the risk of developing varicose veins, which occur when the valves inside the veins weaken. As a result, the veins become enlarged and dark in appearance.

A report in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews indicated that rutoside (a compound found in rutin) might help relieve the symptoms of varicose veins in late pregnancy. However, the study only included 69 women, and there was not enough data to assess its safety and effectiveness during pregnancy.

Therefore, it is best to avoid rutin supplements while pregnant. Instead, consult with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about varicose veins.

Heart Health

Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease and the leading cause of death in the U.S. Rutin is thought to protect the heart from cellular damage through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

A 2017 study suggested that rutin supplementation may inhibit coronary heart disease. However, this study was conducted in pigs and for only eight weeks so it is unknown whether the same results would occur in humans.

One of the risk factors for heart disease is high blood pressure. In a study of 50 people with Type 2 diabetes participants were given one gram of rutin or a placebo for three months. Researchers found the participants taking rutin had a significant reduction in blood pressure, increased levels of antioxidant enzymes, and improved quality of life compared to the placebo group.

These studies are promising, but more research is needed.

Cholesterol

High cholesterol can increase the risk of several health conditions, including:

• Atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries)
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Transient ischaemic attack (TIA), also called “mini-stroke”
• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)

In a 2022 study 50 participants were randomized and supplemented with 500 milligrams (mg) of rutin or a placebo daily for three months. Results showed that participants taking rutin had a significant decrease in total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and the ratio of LDL to HDL ("good") cholesterol.

Type 2 Diabetes

Inflammation and oxidative stress play a major role in the development and progression of Type 2 diabetes. 

A small study found that compared to placebo, supplementing with 500 mg of rutin for three months resulted in a significant decrease in fasting blood sugar, insulin, and hemoglobin A1C, as well as improvement in markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

More clinical trials are needed to confirm these results.

Arthritis

Rutin, as a flavonoid, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help with conditions like osteoarthritis. The authors of one animal study determined a pathway in the body that would explain how rutin inhibits the inflammatory progression of OA. Other animal studies have shown rutin to be effective in:

• Reducing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
• Inhibiting acute and chronic phases of inflammation
• Slowing inflammation and cartilage breakdown in osteoarthritis

However, it is unknown whether rutin would have the same effects in humans. More research is needed.

Liver

Cirrhosis of the liver is the destruction of liver cells and scarring that alters the flow of blood through the liver and decreases liver function. Rutin is thought to protect the liver from cellular damage through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Animal studies have shown rutin may help lower liver enzymes and increase antioxidant enzymes made by the liver. These markers would indicate rutin provides some protection to the liver. However, human studies are needed to determine whether there are similar effects.

Side Effects of Rutin Supplements

Rutin is generally considered safe when consumed in the amounts found in foods like citrus, onions, and apples. However, rutin supplements may cause specific side effects, including:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Skin rash
• Dry mouth
• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

Precautions

There is not enough data on the safety of rutin in pregnant or lactating people. Therefore, pregnant and nursing individuals should not take rutin. Also, do not give children rutin supplements without discussing their use with a healthcare provider.

Before taking rutin supplements, talk to your healthcare provider if you:

• Have a history of heart disease or blood clots
• Are taking blood thinning medications (e.g., warfarin)
• Have diabetes and are taking blood sugar lowering medications: Rutin may lower blood sugar levels. Therefore, people with diabetes should monitor blood sugar levels closely, especially if adding rutin to a regimen that already includes blood sugar lowering medications.
• Have any chronic conditions or require medications
  

Dosage: How Much Rutin Should I Take?

Rutin supplement forms, such as tablets or capsules, are sold online and in natural food stores or stores specializing in dietary supplements. Rutin is not an essential nutrient and there is no recommended dietary allowance (RDA).

There is not enough scientific data to provide a recommended dose of rutin. Different doses have been used in research studies, but rutin is often combined with other herbal ingredients. The appropriate dose for you may depend on factors including your age, sex, and medical history.

If you buy the supplement, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends looking for a Supplement Facts label on all products. Always talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement to ensure it is safe for you.

Interactions

Rutin should be avoided if you have been prescribed warfarin, a blood thinner, as it may reduce the medication's anticoagulant (blood thinning) effect.

Because rutin can also lower blood sugar, it should be used carefully in people with diabetes who take blood sugar lowering medications. Taking rutin supplements with these medications may cause blood sugar to drop too low, contributing to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Food Sources of Rutin

Rutin is a plant pigment found in several fruits and vegetables. It is also added to supplements, often as one ingredient combined with several others.

Buckwheat is an excellent source of rutin. Other food sources include:

• Apples (with skin)
• Some black and green teas
• Roobios tea (a red herbal tea)
• Asparagus
• Raspberries
• Figs
• Olives
• Capers

Summary

Rutin is a plant pigment found naturally in foods. It is also available in supplement form and is often added to preparations that include multiple ingredients. However, there is insufficient data to recommend its use for any health conditions or to provide a recommended dose.

For now, it is best to include foods containing rutin, such as apples, buckwheat, figs, and raspberries. Consult a healthcare provider before adding rutin supplements to your regimen, especially if you take other medications or supplements.