Rutin (quercetin rutinoside), like quercitrin, is a glycoside of theflavonoid quercetin. As such, the chemical structures of both are very similar, with the difference existing in the hydroxyl functional group. Both quercetin and rutin are used in many countries as medications for blood vessel protection, and are ingredients of numerous multivitamin preparations and herbal remedies.Rutin is also an antioxidant; compared to quercetin, acacetin, morin, hispidulin, hesperidin, and naringin, it was found to be the strongest.

Rutin has strong antioxidant properties. Rutin can also chelate metal ions, such as iron, thereby reducing the Fenton reaction (production of damaging oxygen radicals). Rutin also seems to stabilize vitamin C. If rutin is taken together with vitamin C, the activity of ascorbic will be intensified. Rutin is important because it strengthens capillaries and can help people who bruise or bleed easily.