Rutin : therapeutic potential and recent advances in drug delivery.

INTRODUCTION: Natural compounds such as bioflavonoids have found application in health care system due to their wide biological activities, high safety margins and lower cost. Rutin , a polyphenolic bioflavonoid has shown wide range of pharmacological applications due to its significant antioxidant properties. Conventionally, it is used as antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiallergic agent. However, current research has shown its multispectrum pharmacological benefits for the treatment of various chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Its use is advantageous over other flavonoids as it is a nontoxic and nonoxidizable molecule. AREAS COVERED: This review focus on various studies done on rutin explaining its broad spectrum pharmacological activities. In addition, this review will also focus on the challenges associated with the drug and various approaches to improve the oral bioavailability of rutin. EXPERT OPINION: Rutin is a highly potent molecule due to its strong antioxidant properties. In the near future, enhancing its bioavailability using novel drug delivery methods having minimum side effects will bring this promising natural molecule to the forefront of therapy for the treatment of various chronic human diseases.