Biochem/physiol Actions

A polyphenolic flavonoid that acts as an antioxidant and NO scavenger. It can attenuate peroxide production in glial cells by acting as a free radical scavenger and protect renal cells from oxidative injury. Inclusion of rutin in the diet of rats significantly reduced the appearance of single-strand breaks in nuclear DNA caused by hepatocarcinogens aflatoxin B₁ and N-nitrosodiumethylamine. This protection from DNA damage was found to be due to a reduction in the induction of repair enzymes polymerase, DNA polymerase β and DNA ligase. Since DNA damage and inefficient repair are thought to initiate the process of carcinogenesis, effects of rutin on these functions suggests a protective role of this flavonoid against carcinogenesis induced by chemical carcinogens.

Protocols & Applications

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Plant Profile: bioactives, mechanism of action, references