Inositol Background

Inositol, initially called "inosite," was discovered in the late 19th century by Léon Maquenne and Johann Joseph von Scherer[5].

This natural compound is widely distributed in plants and animals, biosynthetically derived from sugars[1].

Inositol exists in nine different isomeric forms, with myo-inositol being the most common and biologically significant[1][5].

Over the years, inositol has gained significant attention due to its diverse biological roles and potential therapeutic applications in various fields, including metabolic disorders, neurology, and reproductive health[6][9].

Inositol Systemic Applications

Inositol demonstrates remarkable versatility in systemic applications, ranging from metabolic regulation to reproductive health[6].

It has shown efficacy in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), improving oocyte maturation, pregnancy rates, and hormonal parameters[6].

Inositol plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism, insulin signaling, and the treatment of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome[6].

Research has also highlighted inositol's potential in ameliorating various conditions such as gestational diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer[6][9].

Inositol for Brain and Cognition

Inositol plays a significant role in brain function, with fluctuations in extracellular and intracellular compartments regulating neuronal and glial activity[7].

Studies have shown that inositol imbalance is observed in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target[7].

However, research on adults with Down syndrome revealed that increased brain myo-inositol concentration was associated with reduced cognitive ability, indicating complex relationships between inositol levels and cognitive function[3].

Further research is needed to fully understand inositol's role in brain health and its potential applications in treating neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.

Inositol for Eye and Vision

Inositol has demonstrated potential benefits for eye health, particularly in the context of treating eye disorders caused by environmental, visual, and mechanical stress[4].

An ophthalmic composition containing myo-inositol has been developed for topical application, showing promise in improving accommodative amplitude and prolonging the effect of therapy for presbyopia[4].

Research is ongoing to explore inositol's role in regulating eye pressure, with studies using optogenetic tools to place inositol phosphatase enzymes in the eyes of mice to potentially lower eye pressure[8].

While more research is needed, these findings suggest that inositol may have significant applications in ophthalmology, particularly for conditions related to eye strain and presbyopia.

Relevant quotes:

"Myo-inositol improves oocyte maturation, pregnancy rates, and hormonal parameters (as well as) total cholesterol, HDL, BMI, and the glucose: insulin ratio." - Facts About Fertility[6]

"These compounds are used in the treatment of a variety of ailments from diabetes to cancer, and continued research in this direction promises a new future in therapeutics." - From a study published in PMC[9]

Relevant NCBI article quotes:

"Myo-inositol has been established as an important growth-promoting factor of mammalian cells and animals. The role of myo-inositol as a lipotropic factor has been proven, in addition to its involvement as co-factors of enzymes and as messenger molecules in signal transduction." - From "Myo-Inositol and Its Derivatives: Their Emerging Role in the Treatment of Human Diseases" (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6798087/)

Functions supported or stimulated:

1. Glucose metabolism regulation[6]

2. Oocyte maturation and development[6]

3. Insulin signaling[6]

4. Neuronal and glial activity regulation[7]

5. Lipid metabolism[9]

Related benefits:

1. Improved fertility and reproductive health in PCOS patients[6]

2. Enhanced metabolic health and insulin sensitivity[6]

3. Potential neuroprotective effects[7]

4. Possible improvements in eye health and vision[4]

5. Potential anti-cancer properties[9]

Source Information:

Botanical sources include legumes, particularly chickpeas (1.22 mg/g sample), and carob pods (more than 100 mg/g sample for d-pinitol)[1].

Common names:

1. Myo-inositol

2. D-chiro-inositol

3. Scyllo-inositol

4. Pinitol (in certain plant sources)[1]

Citations:

[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8912080/

[2] https://www.jintegrativederm.org/article/122716-inositol-for-treating-dermatological-disorders-a-systematic-review

[3] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/209115

[4] https://patents.google.com/patent/EP3130335A1/en

[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphatidylinositol

[6] https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/myo-inositol-for-pcos-summary-of-a-systematic-review/

[7] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7554709/

[8] https://www.research.va.gov/currents/0117-2.cfm

[9] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6798087/

[10] https://openheart.bmj.com/content/9/1/e001989