Rutin and Hesperidin:
Bioflavonoid Partners of Vitamin C

Rutin, hesperidin and quercetin are some of the better-known bioflavonoids. All of them have strong antioxidant properties. Bioflavonoids work synergistically with vitamin C and help maximize its benefits.

Although these flavonoids are not network antioxidants, they do interact with the network — for example, they regenerate vitamin C after it neutralizes a free radical, and help restore its antioxidant properties. Bioflavonoids also help raise your levels of glutathione, the most abundant antioxidant in your body.

Food Sources of Rutin. Rutin is a flavonoid most abundant in apricots, buckwheat, cherries, prunes, rose hips, the rind of citrus fruits, and the core of green peppers.

Bioflavonoids work as a team. Other flavonoids, such as quercetin and hesperidin, are very similar in composition to rutin. Many experts have come to agree that rutin and quercetin in fact “work together” by complementing each other. For this reason, its recommended that rutin and quercetin are taken together, and they are usually included in many bioflavonoid supplements.

Primary Benefits of Rutin

Rutin can be helpful in maintaining rigid blood vessels, and can help people who bleed or bruise easily from injury. Because it's generally beneficial for circulatory problems, this flavonoid is often recommended for varicose veins and poor circulation.

Rutin also helps the body utilize vitamin C and maintain collagen. Collagen helps keep our skin healthy, elastic, and firm. Collagen breakdown has been attributed to wrinkles and lines.

Rutin has also been used to treat glaucoma, hay fever, hemorrhoids, oral herpes, cirrhosis, cataracts and glaucoma. It is helpful in reducing weakness in the blood vessels and the resultant hemorrhages. It can relieve the pain from bumps and bruises.

Rutin may be taken to help reduce serum cholesterol and oxidized LDL cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease. It is also useful in treating rheumatic diseases such as gout, arthritis, edema, hemorrhoids, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Primary Benefits of Hesperidin

Hesperidin is a flavonoid mostly found in the pulps and rinds of citrus fruits. It has been shown to be useful in treating the complaints of menopause and in dealing with the viruses that cause herpes, the flu, and certain respiratory ailments.

Hesperidin fights allergic reactions by blocking the release of histamine. It may also help reduce edema (accumulation of fluid) in the legs.

Hesperidin deficiency has been linked to weaknesses in the walls of the blood vessels, pain and weakness in the hands and feet, and leg cramps at night.

Supplementing with Rutin and Hesperidin

Quercetin, rutin and hesperidin are the bioflavonoids most often found in vitamin C supplements. I take a vitamin C supplement that has 100mg. each of quercetin and mixed bioflavonoids along with 500mg. of vitamin C three times a day.

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