Rutin, the glycoside form of quercetin, is a bioflavonol having aromatic trimeric heterocyclic structure. It is a naturally occurring pigment. It, chemically 3-[[6-O-(6-deoxy-alpha-L- mannopyranosyl )-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] oxy]-2- (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) -5,7-dihydroxy-4H-1-Benzopyran-4-one, is a yellow to greenish crystalline powder melting at 190 C. Rutin is classified as vitamin P which increases the strength of the walls of the blood capillaries and regulates their permeability. Others classified as vitamin P are catechin, citrin, eriodictin, hesperetin, hesperidin, nobiletin, quercetin, sinensetin, and tangeretin. It is not a dietary essential but is known to have the effect on capillary disorders. It may also have an contribution to the total antioxidant activity and detoxifiers. It is also know to have pharmacological action as an anti-inflammatory ,antihistaminic and antiviral agent. |
