Toxicity Studies on Rutin

Abstract

Conclusion and Summary

Rutin, a flavonol glycoside with vitamin P activity, was studied for signs of acute and chronic toxicity. In rats and guinea pigs, intravenous and intraperitoneal injections of 30 to 50 mg/kg, and intravenous injections in rabbits of 100 to 200 mg/kg, were inocuous.

The rate of growth of albino rats was not affected when the diet contained as much as 1%percnt; of rutin, and after 400 days on such a diet, histological examination of the tissues showed no evidence of injury which could be definitely related to rutin administration. Organ weights of the experimental animals were normal. The length of the estrous cycle was the same in rats eating a 1%percnt; rutin diet as in control animals, reproduction was as good, and the young appeared to be as healthy. On the basis of the criteria employed, rutin is nontoxic both acutely and chronically.