Little-known flavonoid fights diabetes, improves circulation, and reduces inflammation

(NaturalHealth365)  Upon first hearing the odd little word “rutin,” you probably wouldn’t connect it with improved health, mood, and vitality images.  In fact, many people are unaware that this plant-based compound exists.  Yet, it features some pretty substantial benefits.

Like its better-known relative, quercetin, rutin is a bioflavonoid – or natural plant pigment – with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities that help promote health.  For example, a new study published in Frontiers of Nutrition shows that supplementation with this compound helped to combat risk factors of type 2 diabetes while increasing energy and quality of life.

Type 2 diabetes – which can raise the risk of heart disease and damage nerves and vision – currently affects over 38 million Americans, so this is truly good news.  If you have prediabetes or diabetes (or just want to protect yourself against developing the condition), you’ll want to check out what rutin has to offer.

First well-designed study ever to evaluate the antioxidant effects of rutin on diabetes

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled 2023 clinical study involving diabetic patients, participants received either one gram a day of rutin or a placebo for three months.  The results were encouraging.  The researchers found that the flavonoid caused significant reductions in blood pressure and heart rate while increasing levels of important antioxidants created in the body, such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione.

The participants also reported improved quality of life, energy and well-being, mental health, and social performance.  In addition, this nutrient has been found to inhibit pro-inflammatory chemicals such as lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2 – thereby quenching inflammation – while its antioxidant capabilities allow it to reduce the oxidative stress that contributes to insulin resistance.  It sounds like a win/win for those with type 2 diabetes!

The team concurred that “controlling oxidative stress can be effective in increasing the quality of life of diabetic patients.”  They concluded that consuming antioxidant-rich foods and beverages and rutin supplementation can play a “beneficial role” in improving type 2 diabetes and its complications.

And that isn’t all.  A clinical study published in Clinical Nutrition in 2020 showed that a combination of rutin and vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant in its own right) improved physical function and energy levels in diabetic patients.

Rutin can improve circulation and help prevent potentially life-threatening blood clots

While the newer research helps to confirm the benefits of rutin for diabetes, earlier studies have showcased its contributions to the health of the circulatory system.  Researchers report that, besides lowering blood pressure and slowing the heart rate, rutin helps increase blood flow and maintain the strength and elasticity of capillaries.

A 2018 review published in the International Journal of Molecular Science reveals that rutin could help with chronic venous disease, manifested by varicose veins, “spider veins,” and discomfort.  The authors cited clinical trials showing that rutin significantly decreases leg swelling, painful cramps, and sensations of heaviness.

Other studies have suggested that this beneficial compound can help prevent deep vein thrombosis – the formation of blood clots in arteries or veins.  Also known as DVT, this serious condition can lead to heart attacks and strokes.  The scientists noted that rutin works by inhibiting the production of a protein emitted from endothelial cells during clot formation.

 Help for osteoarthritis pain and inflammation

Osteoarthritis, an inflammatory degenerative joint condition, affects a shocking 595 million people worldwide.  But, it appears that rutin can help here as well.

In a 2022 review published in Rheumatology and Therapy, the authors noted that combining rutin and the proteolytic enzymes bromelain and trypsin was as effective as NSAID drugs in relieving osteoarthritis pain.  In addition, there were significant effects in as little as ten days, with none of the toxic adverse effects – such as gastrointestinal perforation and bleeding – that can accompany nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Noting that rutin was as effective as the prescription drug diclofenac, the scientists concluded that the compound may serve as an effective treatment option for patients with osteoarthritis.

Increase your intake of rutin by eating more fruits

Rutin is created through a combination of the flavonoid quercetin and a sugar molecule known as rutinose.  Some holistic healthcare practitioners refer to rutin as “purple quercetin.”  Incidentally, you may also see this flavonoid called rutoside and even “vitamin P.”  (However, it is not a vitamin).

You can find rutin in fruits and vegetables such as grapes, cherries, plums, citrus fruits, unpeeled apples, green tea, asparagus, figs, and buckwheat.  As always, opt for organic produce whenever possible or practical.  In addition, capers and black olives are particularly good sources – why not combine these delicacies in a rutin-rich tapenade?

Rutin is also available in supplementary form.  Holistic healthcare professionals typically recommend 500 mg daily to support health, but consult your holistic doctor before supplementing.  For maximum benefit, look for a formula combining rutin with vitamin C or proteolytic enzymes, such as papain or bromelain.

Whether you hope to regulate blood pressure, ease insulin resistance, address varicose veins, prevent blood clots, or simply ramp up your energy levels, it just might be time to call for “rutin to the rescue.”

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
Healthline.com
Thelancet.com

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