Abstract

Background: Rutin, often known as vitamin P, is a natural flavonoid compound, which offers a broad spectrum of therapeutic potentials. Rutin is metabolised to different compounds by the gut bacteria after consumption, therefore, very little is absorbed. Higher plants contribute to rutin synthesis in large quantities, and it may also be found in many fruits and fruity rinds, particularly citrus fruits and berries.

Objective: The present paper highlights several studies and patents conducted on rutin along with its nanoformulations regarding its broad spectrum of therapeutic potentials.

Method: Numerous electronic databases, including Springer, PubMed, Science Direct, Pubchem, Google Patents etc. were searched to extract relevant published literature demonstrating rutin effectiveness in various ailments.

Results: The reviewed literature showed that rutin and related flavonoids possess a variety of physiological properties that protects human beings, plants and animals. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, cytoprotective, vasoprotective, anticarcinogenic, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, antibacterial, antiviral, antiprotozoal, antitumor, anti-hypertensive antiplatelet, antispasmodic and hypolipidemic, activities. Nanotechnology has been implemented for the improvement of the bioavailability of rutin using novel drug-delivery carriers.

Conclusion: The study concludes that the development of rutin nanoformulations for multiple therapeutic approaches contributes towards enhanced aqueous solubility as well as tailored pharmacokinetics compared to conventional delivery of rutin. However, more investigations should be conducted to confirm the improved bioavailability of the rutin nanoformulations.

Keywords: Rutin, flavonoid, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, nanoformulations, aqueous solubility.