Evidence supporting the use of: Rutin
For the health condition: Bruises (prevention)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Rutin, a flavonoid glycoside found in various plants such as buckwheat, citrus fruits, and apples, has a history of use in both traditional and modern medicine for supporting vascular health. Its application for the prevention or treatment of bruises (ecchymosis) is supported by modest scientific evidence. Rutin is thought to strengthen capillary walls, reduce capillary fragility, and decrease vascular permeability, which theoretically could help prevent bruising or reduce its severity.

Several clinical and preclinical studies have investigated rutin’s effects on capillary integrity. Early European studies, often in combination with vitamin C, suggested that rutin supplementation could reduce the frequency and severity of bruising in people with capillary fragility. The mechanism appears to involve stabilization of the endothelial lining and reduction of oxidative stress in blood vessel walls. However, most of these studies were small, not always well-controlled, and often combined rutin with other bioflavonoids or ascorbic acid, making it difficult to attribute effects solely to rutin.

Despite these limitations, rutin is still included in some over-the-counter formulations aimed at preventing or treating bruises, especially in Europe. Contemporary evidence remains limited, and high-quality randomized controlled trials are lacking. Thus, while there is a scientific rationale and some supportive data, the strength of the evidence is modest, and further well-designed studies are needed to confirm rutin’s efficacy for this indication.

More about rutin
More about Bruises (prevention)