Effects of Rutin from Leaves and Flowers of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) on Angiotensin II-induced Hypertrophy of Cardiac Myocytes and Proliferation of Fibroblasts

Rutin was isolated from dried leaves and flowers of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.). The effects of rutin on angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy of cultured cardiac myocytes and proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts of neonatal rats were evaluated by analyzing the cell surface area, measuring the protein synthesis rate through (3)H-leucine incorporation, and the MTT method. Rutin (0.8 to 8.0 mg/l) exhibited a strong inhibition on the hypertrophy and proliferation. The results suggested that rutin from buckwheat flowers and leaves might have protective effects on cardiac hypertrophy.