Distribution of rutin in fava d'anta (Dimorphandra mollis) seedlings under stress

Fava d'anta is a tree rich in the flavonoid rutin; it is found mainly in the Brazilian savannah, which is called the cerrado and has a defined drought season. The distribution of rutin in fava d'anta seedlings was studied at different developmental stages and in an adult tree. In addition, the effects of flooding, drought and salinity on the content of this flavonoid in seedlings were investigated. Rutin was found in all of the analyzed fava d'anta plant parts, and its content was always higher than quercetin, a related flavonoid. Young leaves showed the highest rutin content. In general, the stresses caused an increase in both of the flavonoids in the seedling leaves, with some variation depending on the leaf age. Seedlings under stress showed a similar growth to the control seedlings, suggesting that rutin may have a role in protecting the tissues against oxidative damage during drought periods in its natural habitat.