Dimorphandra gardneriana

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Dimorphandra gardneriana (faveiro) is a tree native to northeastern Brazil whose seed pods are a commercial source of rutin and related flavonoids. The extract is used industrially for flavonoid production and in some venous health and vascular supplements.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Chronic venous insufficiency (rutin-class compounds)

Good Evidence

Hydroxyethylrutosides derived from rutin have shown benefit for symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (heaviness, swelling) in several trials. Evidence for the whole D. gardneriana extract is more limited.

Hemorrhoids (rutin-class compounds)

Limited Evidence

Small trials of rutin-derived products show modest symptom improvement.

How it works

The seed pods of D. gardneriana contain very high concentrations of rutin (a quercetin-3-O-rutinoside) and related flavonoids. After ingestion, rutin is hydrolyzed by gut bacteria to quercetin, which is absorbed and conjugated. Rutin and quercetin have antioxidant activity and have been studied for vascular permeability, capillary fragility, and venous insufficiency. Clinical evidence for the whole D. gardneriana extract is sparse. Most relevant evidence concerns rutin and its derivatives (especially hydroxyethylrutosides) for chronic venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids.

Dosage

No established RDA. Rutin doses in clinical trials range from 500 mg to 2 g/day, often as hydroxyethylrutoside derivatives. Specific D. gardneriana extract dosing varies.

When and how to take it

Most products are taken once or twice daily with food. Specific timing depends on the product.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Standardized rutin extract

Main commercial use of D. gardneriana.

Rutin is hydrolyzed to quercetin by gut bacteria before absorption.

Hydroxyethylrutosides (derivative)

Pharmaceutical-grade venous insufficiency products.

Semisynthetic; better aqueous solubility than rutin.

Safety

Generally well tolerated. Side effects can include mild GI upset, headache, and rash. Long-term safety data are limited.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited safety data. People on anticoagulants should consult a clinician.

Interactions

Theoretical interaction with anticoagulants (rutin may modestly affect platelet function). No clinically significant interactions with most medications.

Frequently asked questions

What is D. gardneriana used for?⌄

Mostly as a commercial source of rutin and related flavonoids for venous health supplements.

Is the whole-plant extract studied directly?⌄

Mostly not. Most clinical work involves isolated rutin or its semisynthetic derivatives.

References

Dimorphandra gardneriana on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Dimorphandra gardneriana on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Dimorphandra gardneriana (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Dimorphandra gardneriana with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.