Source and Occurrence
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.
Isolation of Rutin
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.
Identification
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.
Analysis
Quantitative Analysis:
HPLC with UV Detection: Common method for rutin 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.
Applications and Significance
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.