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The flavonoid rutin is a flavonol glycoside comprised of the
flavonol quercetin (see Quercetin) and
the disaccharide rutinose. Rutin is found in many plants, especially
the buckwheat. Other rich dietary sources of rutin include black tea
and apple peels.
Rutin is considered to be an important
nutritional supplement because of its ability to strengthen
capillaries, whereby helping people suffering from arteriosclerosis
(the hardening of the arteries) or high blood pressure. Rutin
belongs to a group of plant compounds called bioflavonoids that also
include the important catechins of green tea and
the polyphenols of red wine. Recent studies have shown that the bioflavonoids
are powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals. Free radicals
are said to be responsible for as much as 90 percent of all the
human diseases such as cancer, arteriosclerosis, strokes, senility
due to aging, etc.
Typical doses used are 500 mg once or
twice daily. Those with venous insufficiency/varicose veins often
use 500 mg taken twice
daily.
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