Detection and distribution of "rutinase+, an enzyme hydrolyzin; rutoside]

125 species were investigated for rutinase. A high enzyme activity was found only in a few genera: Fagopyrum, Rhamnus, Berchemia, Sophora, Datisca and Danae. Lower activity was detected in several Lichens (Parmeliaceae) and diverse plants but is lacking in some specimens. In a number of species containing 3- or 7-rutinosides, no enzyme able to hydrolyse the latter seems to be present.