# Rutaretin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/rutaretin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-20 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** 7-methoxypsoralen-8-carboxylic acid, rutacridone, bergapten derivative, furanocoumarin compound, psoralen analog, chromenone derivative ## Overview Rutaretin is a flavonoid aglycone structurally related to rutin and quercetin, formed through the hydrolysis of rutin by removing the rutinose sugar moiety. Its primary proposed mechanism involves [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing via its catechol-containing B-ring, though robust human clinical evidence remains limited. ## Health Benefits • Potential [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties mentioned without evidence.[4] ## Mechanism of Action Rutaretin is theorized to exert antioxidant effects through electron donation from its hydroxyl groups, particularly the 3',4'-dihydroxy catechol structure on its B-ring, which can neutralize [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) including superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. It may also chelate transition metal ions such as iron(II) and copper(II), preventing Fenton-type reactions that generate oxidative damage. Additionally, flavonoids of this structural class have been studied for potential modulation of Nrf2 pathway activation, which upregulates endogenous antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase and catalase, though direct evidence for rutaretin specifically is lacking. ## Clinical Summary As of current literature, no published randomized controlled trials or formal human clinical studies have been conducted specifically on rutaretin as an isolated compound. The [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties attributed to rutaretin are largely extrapolated from in vitro cell culture studies and from the broader body of research on structurally analogous flavonoids such as quercetin and rutin. In vitro assays, including DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging tests, have demonstrated antioxidant capacity for related flavonoid aglycones under laboratory conditions, but these findings do not reliably predict efficacy in humans. The overall evidence base for rutaretin-specific health claims must be characterized as preliminary and insufficient to support therapeutic recommendations. ## Nutritional Profile Rutaretin is a flavonoid aglycone compound (specifically a hydroxylated flavone), not a food ingredient consumed for macronutrient or caloric value, so conventional nutritional metrics (protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber) are not applicable. As a pure isolated compound, it contains no vitamins or dietary minerals in meaningful quantities. Bioactive profile: Rutaretin is structurally classified as a flavonol/flavone derivative with multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups on its phenolic ring system, which are the basis for its theorized radical-scavenging capacity. It is chemically related to luteolin and diosmetin derivatives. Molecular weight is approximately 300–320 g/mol based on its flavonoid backbone. Bioavailability data for rutaretin specifically is extremely limited in published literature; as with most flavonoid aglycones, it is expected to have moderate lipophilicity, potentially better passive absorption than glycosylated counterparts, but subject to extensive hepatic first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and conjugation (glucuronidation, sulfation). No established concentration ranges in food sources have been documented for rutaretin specifically. Published research as of the knowledge cutoff is sparse, with [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) claims based primarily on in vitro structural analogy to related flavonoids rather than clinical or in vivo quantitative studies. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges or forms are available from the sources. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions No formal human safety studies, toxicology reports, or established tolerable upper intake levels have been published specifically for isolated rutaretin. Because it shares structural features with quercetin, potential interactions with CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 drug-metabolizing enzymes are theoretically possible, which could affect the plasma concentrations of medications such as cyclosporine, statins, or anticoagulants. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should avoid supplementation given the complete absence of safety data in these populations. Individuals with known flavonoid hypersensitivity or those taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications should consult a healthcare provider before use. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials or meta-analyses on rutaretin were identified in the available sources. PubMed search results provide no references to such studies. ## Historical & Cultural Context No historical or traditional medicinal uses are documented in the provided sources. ## Synergistic Combinations Quercetin, Resveratrol, Curcumin, Green tea extract, Vitamin C ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is rutaretin and how is it different from rutin? Rutaretin is the aglycone form of rutin, meaning it lacks the disaccharide rutinose sugar that is attached to the quercetin backbone in rutin. This structural difference affects its polarity, bioavailability profile, and absorption characteristics in the gastrointestinal tract compared to the glycosylated parent compound rutin. ### Is there clinical proof that rutaretin works as an antioxidant in humans? No human clinical trials have been conducted on rutaretin as an isolated ingredient. Evidence is limited to in vitro assays demonstrating radical scavenging capacity, and any antioxidant claims are extrapolated from research on structurally related flavonoids like quercetin rather than from direct human data. ### What foods naturally contain rutaretin? Rutaretin is not abundantly present as a free compound in most foods; it is primarily generated through enzymatic or intestinal hydrolysis of rutin, which is found in buckwheat, capers, asparagus, and citrus fruits. Gut microbiota capable of cleaving glycosidic bonds may produce small amounts of rutaretin during digestion of rutin-containing foods. ### Are there any known drug interactions with rutaretin supplements? No rutaretin-specific drug interaction studies exist in humans, but based on structural analogy to quercetin, inhibition of CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 enzymes is a theoretical concern that could elevate plasma levels of co-administered drugs including certain statins, immunosuppressants, and anticoagulants. Until dedicated pharmacokinetic studies are conducted, caution is warranted alongside prescription medications. ### What is the recommended dosage of rutaretin? No clinically established or regulatory-approved dosage exists for rutaretin, as no human dose-finding or efficacy trials have been completed. Supplement products containing rutaretin or rutin-derived flavonoids vary widely in their labeling, and any dosage recommendations currently lack a scientific evidence base specific to this compound. ### Is rutaretin safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? There is insufficient clinical data on rutaretin safety specifically during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so supplementation is not recommended without professional medical guidance during these periods. Pregnant and nursing women should consult their healthcare provider before using rutaretin supplements, as the ingredient's effects on fetal development and breast milk composition have not been adequately studied. ### What is the bioavailability of rutaretin and how does it compare to other flavonoids? Rutaretin's bioavailability and absorption mechanisms are not well-characterized in human studies, making direct comparisons to other flavonoids like quercetin or rutin difficult. Limited research suggests that like other glycosidic flavonoids, rutaretin absorption may be influenced by gut microbiota and food matrix, but specific data on peak plasma levels and metabolic pathways in humans is lacking. ### Who should avoid taking rutaretin supplements and why? Individuals with bleeding disorders, those taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, and people with known hypersensitivity to flavonoids should avoid rutaretin unless under medical supervision. Additionally, due to lack of safety data, rutaretin supplementation is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children without professional medical guidance. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*