Rutin Facilitates Dioxin Elimination and Attenuates Systemic Toxicity in a Wistar Rat Model

Dioxins are persistent organic pollutants with long biological half-lives and a high tendency for bioaccumulation, posing serious toxicological risks to humans and wildlife. This study investigates the modulatory role of rutin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, in promoting the excretion and reducing the systemic retention of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in vivo. Wistar rats were exposed to a controlled dioxin mixture (10 µg/kg body weight) and administered rutin orally (0.02 g/kg) for 30 consecutive days. Biological samples including feces, urine, and serum were collected and analyzed via high-resolution gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS). Rutin significantly enhanced the excretion of octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD) by 30% in urine and 25% in feces, while reducing lipid-adjusted serum dioxin levels. Additionally, biochemical and hematological markers showed improved hepatic and renal function in the rutin-treated group. These findings suggest that rutin may facilitate dioxin detoxification through enhanced metabolic clearance and reduced tissue retention. The study contributes to understanding natural detoxification mechanisms and supports future research into bioactive compounds for mitigating environmental toxicant exposure.