What does Chiro-Inositol do?
What does Chiro-Inositol do?
What is chiro-inositol?
Chiro-inositol (D-chiro-inositol), chemically known as 1,2,4/3,5,6-hexahydroxycyclohexane, is a sugar alcohol found in the human body, with a sweetness of about half that of sucrose. It is naturally formed in the body from glucose and plays a role in signal transduction, especially in regulating insulin sensitivity and glucose disposal by binding to other neurotransmitters and steroid hormones.
Chiro-inositol is an optically active compound that belongs to the inositol family. In nature, inositol exists in multiple isomers, including L-chiro-inositol and D-chiro-inositol. D-chiro-inositol, also known as DCI or D-inositol, is a colorless crystalline solid with good solubility and plays an important physiological function in the body.
The main function of chiro-inositol in the human body is to play an important role by binding other neurotransmitters and some steroid hormones to their receptors. It is converted to chiro-inositol by the insulin-dependent NAD/NADH epimerase, thereby accelerating the dephosphorylation of glycogen synthase and pyruvate dehydrogenase, which are rate-limiting enzymes for non-oxidative and oxidative glucose processing.
Chiro-inositol may also bypass the normal epimerization of defective inositol to chiro-inositol associated with insulin resistance and at least partially restore insulin sensitivity and glucose processing. In addition, chiro-inositol can be metabolized by cells to chiro-inositol phosphoglycan (abbreviated DCI-IPG), which is a second messenger for insulin and indirectly regulates the synthesis of sex hormones.
The existence and source of chiro-inositol
D-chiro-inositol is widely present in the body, especially in the nervous system and myocardium.
It can be extracted from a variety of natural sources, such as plants such as carob, beans, buckwheat, and some insects.
Since D-chiro-inositol cannot be synthesized in the body and can only be obtained through exogenous means, the most effective treatment for patients with metabolic syndrome due to D-chiro-inositol deficiency is to give supplements.
What are the functions of chiro-inositol?
1. Promote liver lipid metabolism
DCI not only has the function of promoting liver lipid metabolism, but also can improve the ovulation of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), regulate hormone balance, improve menstrual disorders, and has special physiological functions such as anti-oxidation, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory.
2. Regulate hormone balance
DCI can regulate hormone balance. For women, it can improve obesity caused by hormone imbalance and has anti-aging effects. Intake of an appropriate amount of DCI can improve insulin sensitivity, thereby improving the level of sex hormone binding globulin, and gradually balancing the level of sex hormones in the body.
3. Enhance insulin sensitivity
DCI, as an insulin sensitizer, can increase insulin sensitivity and thus improve insulin resistance. This makes DCI effective in treating metabolic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, etc.
4. Improve nervous system function
DCI can promote the growth and regeneration of neurons, increase the survival rate and activity of nerve cells, and help improve the function of the nervous system. In addition, it also has an antioxidant effect, which can neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative damage, and protect cells from damage.
5. Antioxidant
D-chiro-inositol has a strong antioxidant effect, which can neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative damage, and protect cells from damage.
6. Hypoglycemic
D-chiro-inositol has an insulin sensitizing effect, which can effectively reduce blood sugar concentration, especially for patients with type II diabetes.
7. Promote the absorption and utilization of glucose
D-chiro-inositol can increase the expression and activity of glucose transporters, promote the absorption and utilization of glucose by cells, and thus maintain normal blood sugar levels.
8. Regulate the structure and function of cell membranes
D-chiro-inositol can bind to cell membranes, regulate the fluidity and stability of membranes, and affect the signal transduction of cell membranes and the permeability of molecular channels.
What are the application fields of chiro-inositol?
Health care products
In the field of health care products, chiro-inositol can be used to enhance immunity, anti-oxidation and anti-aging. It can neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative damage, thereby protecting cell and tissue health and delaying the aging process. At the same time, chiro-inositol can also enhance immunity, improve the body's resistance, and prevent and treat various diseases.
Food field
In the food industry, chiro-inositol, as a food additive, can be used in dairy foods, meat foods, baked foods, pasta foods, various beverages, candies, seasoning foods, etc. It is also a nutritional supplement that can be used in infant foods and drinking liquids.
Cosmetic field
In the field of cosmetics, chiro-inositol has moisturizing, anti-oxidation and anti-aging effects. It can also enhance the barrier function of the skin, improve the skin's moisturizing ability, and keep the skin soft and smooth.
Medical field
One of the main applications of chiro-inositol in the medical field is as an ingredient in anti-liver fibrosis drugs. Studies have shown that chiro-inositol can play a role by inhibiting the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis.
In addition, chiro-inositol is also used to treat hyperlipidemia and dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, etc.
What are the effects of chiro-inositol on skin care?
1. Moisturizing and nourishing
Chiro-inositol has the effect of moisturizing and nourishing the skin, which can increase the moisture content of the skin and prevent skin dryness and aging. In skin care products, it can be used as an effective moisturizer to help maintain the moisture balance of the skin and keep the skin soft and smooth.
2. Antioxidant and anti-aging
Chiro-inositol has a strong antioxidant effect, which can neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative damage, and protect cells from damage. In the field of skin care, this property makes it an ideal anti-aging ingredient that can delay the aging process of the skin and keep the skin healthy and young.
3. Improve skin barrier function
Chiro-inositol can improve the barrier function of the skin, improve the skin's moisturizing ability, and enhance the skin's defense mechanism. This is of great significance for repairing damaged skin and preventing skin diseases.
