A large group of natural biologically active compounds is united by a common name – vitamin P. These substances have many unique properties. This feature makes this vitamin extremely valuable for human health and you won’t need any of these drugs.
Bioflavonoids
Vitamin P was isolated from lemon peel in the mid-30s of the last century as a result of experiments on the treatment of scurvy. The obtained substance had a noticeable effect on the degree of permeability of the capillary walls, which had previously been attributed to ascorbic acid.
In numerous studies in the future, it was found that the plants contain other compounds that have a pronounced P-vitamin effect.
Thus, vitamin P represents a whole complex of chemical compounds experts report. It is more than one and a half hundred names, many of which have been isolated from various plants even earlier, for example, rutin or rutozide, gallic acid, citrine and others. Now, rutin is more commonly, although not entirely accurate name of vitamin P.
In the second half of the 20th century, a common name for these substances was bioflavonoids. In the form of glycosides, they are present in the tissues of plants, protecting them from pathogens.
They influence the bright color and the fragrance of the fruit, attracting bees and birds. They are perfectly soluble in water.
Vitamin P is not synthesized in the human body. Although it is necessary for the normal functioning of organs and systems. Therefore, it is especially important to know what foods contain vitamin P.
Especially a large number of it is found in chokeberry and citrus. Rich sources of rutin are cherry, plum, all berries, dog rose and many other fruits and vegetables.
Chemical composition
Due to the rich chemical composition, vitamin P has a variety of beneficial effects on the body.
- The main quality of rutin is its ability to increase the strength of the walls of blood vessels and reduce their permeability. The mechanism of this process is not yet fully understood. It is assumed that rutin inhibits the decomposition of hyaluronic acid, and as a result, their strength and elasticity are improved. Reducing permeability and fragility of blood vessels, it decreases the likelihood of external bleeding. All these processes contribute to the acceleration of blood flow and the normalization of blood pressure. Due to the vasodilation, the risk of blood clots is reduced.
- One of the elements of vitamin P – catechin – is known for its strong antioxidant effect. By protecting cells from the damaging effect of free radicals, it inhibits the aging processes in them and strengthens the immune system. A great amount of catechin is found in the green tea, as well as in vegetables and strawberries.
- In the prevention of cancer, an important role is played by another bioflavonoid – quercetin, the concentration of which is high in pepper, garlic, tomatoes. This substance is also used in the treatment of stomach diseases, due to the pronounced therapeutic effect another sport blog says.
- It is known that vitamin P effectively affects the normalization of the endocrine system.
- The physiological characteristics of vitamin P have not been sufficiently studied yet, but its ability to stimulate the biliary reaction in the liver and even the change in the chemical composition of bile has been experimentally proven, which has a beneficial effect on the treatment process.
- The positive influence of rutin in the conditions of oxygen deficiency is proved. This important property makes it possible to use it for application in various fields of human activity.
Features
Flavonoids stabilize the action of vitamin C with the participation of copper ions. The mechanism of these processes is expressed in the formation of strong complexes with heavy metals, so that their action is blocked. A special activity in this respect is the mixture of bioflavonoids from orange and black currant. There is also a reverse positive effect of the influence of ascorbic acid on the properties of rutin. They are present together in many fresh fruits.
According to available data, the disintegration of rutin and other compounds that make up the vitamin P complex is performed in the liver and kidneys to simple substances and is excreted through the urine, and part of the carbon dioxide is passed through the lungs, with breathing.
Vitamin P does not have toxicity, so its excess does not cause any negative reactions from the body. The exact need for this substance is not established.
But since it is in large quantities found in foods with plant origin, P-avitaminosis does not develop in healthy people under normal conditions.
However, there is a fact of such observation, when all vitamins, except rutin, were present in the diet of two people for four months. This deficiency easily provoked hemorrhages in these people, even with minor injuries of blood vessels, as well as pain in the limbs, lethargy and overwork. A consequence of a deficiency of the substance can be even cerebral bleeding.
Rutin is a vitamin that easily decomposes on heating or under the influence of light. In the body, harmful effect on it is caused by:
- medicinal preparations, for example, antibiotics or agents with salicylic acid;
- substances harmful to health – tobacco and alcohol.
Indications for use
Vitamin Р is recommended, usually, at the pathologies connected with infringements of penetration of vascular walls:
- with severe hemorrhagic skin rashes, and simultaneously with vitamin C – with swelling, caused by increased permeability of the walls of the vessels;
- vitamin P and ascorbic acid are included in the complex of therapeutic measures for rheumatism;
- in the treatment of diseases of the liver and gallbladder;
- citrus bioflavonoids have an anti-inflammatory effect and are effectively used in duodenal ulcers;
- during pressure drops with reduced capillary stability;
- it is considered expedient to jointly use vitamins P and B12 in children’s pneumonia;
- when capillary vessels are damaged as a result of prolonged treatment with potent drugs or poisoning caused by chemical substances;
- with edema and varicose veins;
- vitamin P (rutin) is indicated for use in the treatment of primary glaucoma, it is effective for hemorrhages in the eye fundus;
- in the treatment of skin diseases, which are accompanied by hemorrhagic phenomena, such as eczema, dermatitis and many others;
- it is indicated to pregnant women for strengthening the walls of capillaries, since infants in the first weeks of their life often have increased permeability of the walls of capillaries;
- with violations in the menstrual cycle and heavy bleeding.
Simultaneous application of vitamins C and P is recommended to people with:
- articular rheumatism, lesions of the vascular system;
- toxicosis during pregnancy;
- at premature departure of waters during childbirth;
- in the treatment of inflammatory processes in the oral cavity in dentistry.
The importance of bioflavonoids for human health is invaluable, and fresh vegetables and fruits, which contain rutin in large quantities, will ensure its regular and sufficient intake into the body.