Introduction: Rutin , a
flavonoid commonly found in
nature , has anti-mitotic, vasoprotective, and
antihyperlipidemic activity. When hydrolyzed as
quercetin , it promotes inhibition of
spermatozoa motility, alterations in the
prostate , and in the levels of
testosterone and
dihydrotestosterone .
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the
toxicity of
rutin in
Wistar rats .
Methods: Animals were divided into Control (1 ml of
distilled water ), Treated I, II and III, respectively receiving 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg/day of
rutin for seven consecutive days. When
euthanasia was performed after 10, 42 and 60 days into the experiment, a
laparotomy was performed and the
testicles ,
prostate ,
seminal vesicles ,
epididymis , epididymal
spermatozoa to be counted, as well as the
liver ,
spleen and
kidneys were removed. Hematological and biochemical tests were performed.
Results: Hepatomegaly was observed and in the
reproductive system , the weight of the
epididymis was reduced, not affecting any other organ examined.
Conclusion: Except by the reduction of the weight of the
epididymis , which is reversible at 42 days of completion of
treatment , no suggestive data of the
toxicity of
rutin on the
reproductive system of
adult rats were found.