Rutin - Isolation, Identification, Analysis & Significance

Rutin is a flavonoid glycoside found in various plants, including Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), Citrus fruits, Apples, and Tea.
It contributes to the yellow coloration in plants and has significant antioxidant properties.

Extraction:
- Ethanol or Methanol Extraction: Dried plant material is powdered and extracted with alcohol to solubilize rutin.
Purification:
- Liquid-Liquid Extraction: Partitioning between solvents of different polarities to remove unwanted compounds.
- Column Chromatography: Typically using silica gel with a gradient of solvents (e.g., chloroform-methanol-water) to isolate rutin.
Crystallization:
- Rutin can be recrystallized from ethanol or methanol to enhance purity.

Physical Properties:
- Appearance: Yellow crystalline powder.
- Melting Point: Approximately 250°C (decomposes).
- Solubility: Soluble in water, methanol, and ethanol.
Spectroscopic Techniques:
- UV-Visible Spectroscopy: Shows characteristic absorption peaks due to the flavonoid structure.
- IR Spectroscopy: Identifies functional groups such as hydroxyl groups and glycosidic linkages.
- NMR Spectroscopy:
  - ¹H NMR: Reveals proton environments characteristic of the flavonoid skeleton and sugar moieties.
  - ¹³C NMR: Confirms the carbon framework.
- Mass Spectrometry: Molecular ion peak at m/z 610 (as [M+H]^+).
Chromatographic Techniques:
- HPLC: Essential for purity assessment and quantification.
- TLC: Used for initial screening and identification.

Quantitative Analysis:
- HPLC with UV Detection: Common method for rutins quantification in plant extracts.
- Spectrophotometric Methods: Using colorimetric assays with specific reagents.
Quality Control:
- Ensuring purity via HPLC profiles.
- Verifying structural integrity through NMR and MS data.

Rutin is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasoprotective effects.
It is used in dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals for chronic venous insufficiency, and as a bioflavonoid in various health products.