Background: In recent years, flavonoids have been revealed to be helpful in the treatment of many diseases. Rutin (3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone-3-rhamnoglucoside) is an important flavonoid that is consumed in the daily diet. It is also known as vitamin P and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside. In addition, it is found in many food items, vegetables, and beverages. The cytoprotective effects of rutin, including gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-diabetic effects, have been shown in several studies. Furthermore, rutin has several pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory and anti-glycation activities.
Aim: This work reviewed characteristic, pharmacokinetic, and metabolic effects of rutin in all experimental and human studies.
Conclusions: Based on the above summarized effects of rutin, this flavonoid appears to be a potent component that could be considered in the treatment of several gastrointestinal diseases and diabetes.