Inositol or cyclohexane is a chemical compound with formula C6H12O6 (-CHOH-) 6, a sixfoldalohol (polyol) of Cyclohexane. It exists in nine possible stereoisomers of which the most prominent form, widely occurring in nature, is myoinositol (former name meso-inositol). Inositol is a carbohydrate, though not a classical sugar. It is almost tasteless, with a small amount of sweetness. It aids in the metabolism of fats and helps to reduce blood cholesterol. Inositol participates in action of serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to control mood and appetite.
Myo-inositol plays an important role as the structural basis for a number of secondary messengers in eukaryotic cells, including inositol phosphates, phosphatidylinositole (PI) and phosphatidylinositole phosphate (PIP) lipids. Inositol or its phosphates and associated lipids are found in many foods, in particular fruit, especially cantaloupe and ranges. In plants, the hexaphosphate of inositol, phytic acid or its salts, the phytates, are found. Phytic acid occurs also in cereals with high bran content and also nuts and beans, but inositol as phytate is not directly bioavailable to humans in the diet, since it is not digestible (some food preparation techniques partly break down phytates to change this). Inositol as it occurs in certain plant-derived substances such as lecithins, however, is well-absorbed and relatively bioavailable.
Myo-inositol was once considered as a nutrient and a member of the Vitamin B complex; however, because it is produced by the human body from glucose, it is not an essential nutrient. Some substances such as niacin can also be synthesized in the body, but are not made in amounts considered adequate for good health, and thus are still classified as essential nutrients. However, there is no convincing evidence that this is the case for myo-inositol.
Myo-Inositol is synthesized from glucose-6-phospate (G-6-P) in two steps. First, G-6-P is isomerised by ISYNAAI to myo-inositol 1-phosphate, which is then dephosphorylated by IMase 1 to give free myo-inositol. In humans most inositol is synthesized in the kidneys, in typical amounts of a few grams per day.
Inositol and a number of its mono and polyphosphates function as the basis for a number of signaling and secondary messenger molecules. They are involved in a number of biological processes, including:
· Insulin signal transduction.
· Cytoskeleton assembly.
· Nerve guidance
· Intra cellular calcium control
· Cell membrane potential maintenance
· Serotonin activity modulation
· Breakdown of fats and cholesterol
· Gene expression
· Some preliminary results of studies on high-dose inositol supplements show promising results for people suffering from problems such as bulimia, panic disorder, and bipolar disorder.
· In a single double blind study on 13 patients, Myo-inositol (18 grams daily) has been found to reduce the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) significantly, with effectiveness equal to SSRIs and virtually without side-effects. In a double-blind, controlled trial, myo-inositol (18 grams daily) was superior to flyoxamine for decreasing the number of panic attacks and other side effects.
· Patients suffering from clinical depression, in general, have decreased levels of inositol in their cerebrospinal fluid. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of depressed patients showed that a high dose of inositol (12 grams daily) resulted in significant improvement of symptoms, with no changes noted in liver, kidney, or hematological function. A meta-analysis of randomized trials of inositol for depression was not able to determine if inositol is of benefit.
· Older research suggests that lithium functions primarily by decreasing myo-inositol concentrations in bipolar patients; however the conclusions of this research are unsupported and have been questioned. Other studies suggest that lithium treatment may further inhibit the enzyme inositol monophosphate, leading to higher intracellular levels of inositol triphospate, an effect which was enhanced further by administration of an inositol triphosphate reuptakevinhibitor.
One of the most talked about benefits of inositol is the promotion of strong heir. It is a member of the B complex family which is known to promote strong hair, healthier hair, with faster growth.
It lowers cholesterol levels. One major health benefit of inositol is that when combined with choline, they produce lecithin in the body. Lecithin is fundamental in breaking down fats in the body and this means that it can prevent fat build ups in the cell walls of your heart, arteries and brain by breaking down the fatty deposits. Less fat in arteries means lower cholesterol which helps to control the body weight.
