neuroprotectiveEVIDENCEAUSOTC

Inositol (Myo-Inositol)

aka Myo-inositol · D-chiro-inositol

Sugar alcohol that functions as a second messenger in cellular signaling. Studied for PCOS, anxiety, and panic disorder.

Dose range2000–18000mg

Half-life—h

Onset—min

Safety5/5high evidence base

Mechanism of action

Functions as a precursor to phosphatidylinositol, a key second messenger system in intracellular signaling. Particularly involved in serotonin and insulin receptor signal transduction. The two main bioactive forms (myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol) work together; the 40:1 myo:DCI ratio is preferred for PCOS protocols.

History

Inositol's nutritional role was characterised in the 1940s. Modern clinical interest emerged in the 1990s with Belmaker and colleagues demonstrating antidepressant effects at high doses (12-18 g/day). PCOS applications emerged in the 2000s — inositol substantially improves insulin resistance and ovulation in PCOS patients. The compound is unscheduled globally and exceptionally well-tolerated even at high doses.

Benefits

PCOS symptoms (insulin sensitivity, ovulation)
EVIDENCEA
Multiple RCTs and meta-analyses.
Panic disorder
EVIDENCEB
Benjamin 1995.
OCD symptoms
EVIDENCEB
Fux 1996.

Side effects

Mild GI upset (very high dose)uncommonmild

Cited research

Myo-inositol for PCOS: meta-analysis (Unfer)2017
PMID 27581995 ↗
Inositol for panic disorder (Benjamin)1995
PMID 7793446 ↗
Inositol for OCD (Fux)1996
PMID 8678187 ↗

Where to buy

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