Generality
Myo-inositol is the biologically most active form of inositol.
Taken through the diet, through the consumption of bran, whole grains, brewer's yeast, citrus fruits and some meats, myo-inositol can be synthesized minimally also by the human body, starting from glucose.
In the clinical setting, the integration with myo-inositol, in light of its biological role as a second messenger, has proved to be effective above all in the neurological and psychiatric fields.
Indications
Why is my-inositol used? What is it for?
Classically, myo-inositol is used in clinical and integrative settings for its marked antidepressant and anxiolytic activities .
These activities would be due to the biological role of this molecule.
Assembled in the plasma membrane in the form of phosphatidylinositol, myo-inositol can, under specific circumstances, induce the expression of second messengers and thus regulate gene expression and cellular activity.
More precisely, the myo-inositol - also thanks to the ability to easily cross the blood-brain barrier - would seem to intervene directly on the serotonergic signal, thus modulating the activity of different cortical areas.
Benefits and Property
What benefits has myositis demonstrated during my studies?
Despite the fact that the neuro-psychiatric field certainly remains the most characteristic field of application for myo-inositol, it is now possible to identify new interesting emerging properties.
Mio-inositol and neurological pathologies
From recent scientific evidence, some even of a clinical nature, myo-inositol would have proved useful in managing complex neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and autism.
In these works, precisely in the light of the regulatory role of myo-inositol, integration with this molecule would have proved effective in controlling the clinical evolution of the disease.
Greater attention, improvement of perceptive and mnemonic abilities would be the main superior functions nourished by myo-inositol.
Mio-inositol and psychiatric disorders
The role of myo-inositol in the management of psychiatric disorders, such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, is well characterized, even through clinical trials.
According to several authors, the correct integration with myo-inositol, would determine a clear improvement of the symptomatology, with a reduction both in the entity and in the frequency of depressive and manic episodes.
Mio-inositol and gynecological pathologies
In recent years, the use of myo-inositol has aroused great interest also in the gynecological field.
More precisely, several authors have shown that the use of myo-inositol, associated with antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid, would lead to a marked improvement in metabolic parameters during polycystic ovary syndrome .
The improvement of the glycemic and insulinemic profile, the improvement of the lipidemic profile, the better balancing of the sex hormones and the possible correction of hyperandrogenism would be some of the main benefits of myo-inositol described in the course of studies, both experimental and clinical.
The identification of the molecular mechanisms of action would make it possible to clarify in greater detail all the potentials of myo-inositol and its isomers - such as d-chiro-inositol - in this clinical setting.
Doses and method of use
How to use myo-inositol
Unfortunately, at the moment it is not possible to define a standard and reproducible dose of myo-inositol.
In the various studies, depending on the purpose of the integration, dosages of between 1 and 12 grams per day were used, all of which proved to be very well tolerated.
More precisely, for the management of depression and panic attacks, the most effective dose seems to be precisely the daily dose of 12 g, taken continuously for at least 1 month.
Side effects
The use of myo-inositol has generally proved to be safe and well tolerated.
The incidence of gastro-enteric reactions such as nausea, diarrhea and abdominal cramps was only rarely observed.
Contraindications
When should my inositol not be used?
The use of myo-inositol is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient.
Pharmacological Interactions
Which drugs or foods can modify the effect of myo-inositol?
The use of myositis at high doses could increase the biological effects of serotonin re-uptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine or paroxetine.
Documented synergistic action also for 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists and for St. John's wort.
Precautions for use
What do you need to know before taking my inositol?
Given the absence of studies concerning efficacy and long-term safety during pregnancy and lactation, it would be preferable to avoid the use of myo-inositol supplements at these stages of life.
Given the ability of myo-inositol, according to some authors, to worsen the symptomatology during psychiatric pathologies such as bipolar disorder, it would be preferable to avoid its use in these clinical contexts.
