Description_x000D_ General description_x000D_ Rutin hydrate has radioprotective and antiplatelet activity. Rutin reduces hepatic and blood cholesterol levels._x000D_ Application_x000D_ Rutin hydrate has been used:_x000D_ • as an inhibitory compound against Skeletonema costatum_x000D_ • to analyze the phenolic component and antioxidant activity of nettle_x000D_ • to assess the flavonoid content in Propolis_x000D_ Biochem/physiol Actions_x000D_ A polyphenolic flavonoid that acts as an antioxidant and NO scavenger. It can attenuate peroxide production in glial cells by acting as a free radical scavenger and protect renal cells from oxidative injury. Inclusion of rutin in the diet of rats significantly reduced the appearance of single-strand breaks in nuclear DNA caused by hepatocarcinogens aflatoxin B1 and N-nitrosodiumethylamine. This protection from DNA damage was found to be due to a reduction in the induction of repair enzymes polymerase, DNA polymerase β and DNA ligase. Since DNA damage and inefficient repair are thought to initiate the process of carcinogenesis, effects of rutin on these functions suggests a protective role of this flavonoid against carcinogenesis induced by chemical carcinogens.