Rutin is a complex sugar found in abundance in buckwheat, and also in lesser amounts in asparagus, rhubarb, and the peels and rinds of citrus fruit. The name rutin comes from Ruta graveolens, the scientific name of the herb common rue, which also contains rutin. Before 1950, rutin was called “vitamin P,” although it is not actually a vitamin.
Rutin can combine with heavy metals, binding them, and preventing them from causing toxic effects. In the human body, rutin can remove excess iron and copper. However, it can also prevent calcium, iron, and mangesium from being absorbed from food, so rutin should not be taken with mineral supplements or with meals.
Health Benefits of Rutin
There are a number of beneficial effects of rutin in the human body. Here are just a few:
Rutin counteracts platelet-activating factor (PAF), which causes blood clot formation and which triggers the inflammatory reactions of allergies.
Rutin counteracts aldose reductase, an enzyme that transforms glucose sugar into a sugar alcohol called sorbitol. Sorbitol can thicken the lenses of the eyes and the linings of the nerves, causing damage to sight and sensation.
Rutin can reduce the rate at which oxidized LDL cholesterol attracts the white blood cells that transform it into the plaque that hardens arteries.
Rutin is a mild anti-inflammatory agent and a strong antioxidant. And, most importantly.
Rutin strengthens the linings of blood vessels throughout the body, reducing bleeding and preventing collapse.
Rutin for Blood Vessels
The greatest benefits of rutin are in treating unsightly varicose veins in the legs and treating swollen varicose veins around the anus known as hemorrhoids.
A derivative of rutin known as hydroxyethylrutoside (or more precisely a trihydroxyethylrutoside) treats a condition known as chronic venous insufficiency, in which the valves in the veins in the legs cannot pump enough oxygen-poor blood back to the heart.
Chronic venous insufficiency can cause night-and-day itching of the legs, patches of dark brown pigmentation, and varicose eczema, with a high risk of infection.
Rutin and rutin derivatives also treat hemorrhoids and varicose veins during pregnancy, phlebitis caused by birth control pills, and spider veins on the face, thighs, or ankles.
Posted by Ms. Helen
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