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Other common
name(s): IP6, IP-6, InsP-6, inositol, phytic acid,
phytate, myo-inositol hexaphosphate
Scientific/medical
name(s): inositol-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate
Description
Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is a chemical found in beans,
brown rice, corn, sesame seeds, wheat bran, and other high-fiber foods.
It is converted into compounds in the body that are used by cells to
relay outside messages to the cell nucleus. IP6also aids the body in
its use, or metabolism, of calcium and other minerals.
IP-6 is a very specific form of inositol, and there are
several other forms of it found in the human body. It is different, for
instance, from myo-inositol, which is another form being studied
because of its possible role in illnesses such as depression and
anxiety.
Overview
Animal and laboratory research has found that IP6 may be
effective in lowering tumor incidence and slowing tumor growth.
However, studies of IP6 have not yet been done in people. Clinical
trials are needed to find out how it might work in preventing or
treating cancer in humans.
How is it promoted for use?
Proponents call IP6 a "natural cancer fighter" and claim it
slows or reverses the growth of various forms of cancer, including
breast, colon, and prostate cancers. It is thought to be an
antioxidant, a compound that blocks the action of free radicals,
activated oxygen molecules that can damage cells. It may help to
prevent the abnormal signals that tell a cancer cell to keep growing
from reaching the cell's nucleus. Some research shows IP6 slows
abnormal cell division and may sometimes transform tumor cells into
normal cells. Supporters also claim it effectively prevents kidney
stones, high cholesterol, heart disease, and liver disease.
IP6 is one form of inositol. Inositol is a kind of sugar
formed by 6 carbon atoms, 6 oxygen atoms, and 12 hydrogen atoms. This
combination of atoms can also form glucose, but the atoms are arranged
differently in these 2 sugars. There are actually several forms of
inositol, each with subtle differences in the arrangement of atoms,
with myo-inositol being the most common form. IP6 is formed by
substituting phosphate groups (each with a phosphorous and three
oxygens) for each of the 6 hydroxyl (an oxygen and hydrogen) groups of
inositol. Thus, IP6 is related, yet chemically distinct, from
myo-inositol, which is being studied for its possible role in illnesses
such as depression and anxiety.
What does it involve?
Many high-fiber food sources contain IP6, and it is also
available in pill form as a dietary supplement combining inositol and
IP6. Scientists do not know enough about the chemical to recommend a
standard supplement dose. It is not known whether taking a supplement
provides the same effect as getting IP6 from food sources.
What is the history behind it?
The existence of IP6 has been known for several decades.
Interest in its potential anti-cancer properties emerged in the
mid-1980s when Abulkalam Shamsuddin, MD, PhD, a pathologist at the
University of Maryland, began to conduct research studies on inositol
in the laboratory. He published a book on the subject in 1998. He and
other researchers continue to study the effects of IP6.
What is the evidence?
All of the evidence regarding the anticancer effects of IP6
has come from laboratory cell cultures and animal studies. Laboratory
studies of cell cultures have shown that IP6 may help put cancer cells
on a path toward normal cell death and may help keep them from
spreading to other parts of the body. It may also affect the growth of
blood vessels that supply the tumor and the immune system in general.
These studies have shown IP6 may have activity against cancer of the
pancreas, breast, prostate, colon, and other types of cancer. Results
of some studies in cells have also suggested that IP6 may help certain
chemotherapy or hormone therapy drugs work better.
Studies in animals have found that supplementing the animals'
diets with IP6 may help prevent tumors from forming in the prostate,
lung, colon, skin, and other areas. While animal and laboratory studies
may show a certain compound holds promise as a helpful treatment,
further studies are needed to find out if the results apply to humans.
One preliminary human study suggested that IP6 may cause regression of
precancerous lung changes in smokers. IP6 has not yet been studied in
humans as a treatment for cancer.
Inositol hexaphosphate and similar chemicals have also been
studied for treating polycystic ovary syndrome, panic disorders,
autism, obsessive-compulsive disorders, Alzheimer disease,
post-traumatic stress disorders, and depression. Researchers have
reached no firm conclusions about its impact on these conditions.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
This product is sold as a
dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike drugs (which must be
tested before being allowed to be sold), the companies that make
supplements are not required to prove to the Food and Drug
Administration that their supplements are safe or effective, as long as
they don't claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any
specific disease.
Some such products may not
contain the amount of the herb or substance that is written on the
label, and some may include other substances (contaminants). Actual
amounts per dose may vary between brands or even between different
batches of the same brand.
Most such
supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with
medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some
reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full
studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Because of
these limitations, any information on ill effects and interactions
below should be considered incomplete.
When taken in moderate amounts, IP6 appears to be safe.
However, no studies have been done to determine its safety. Some
experts advise those who wish to increase their intake of IP6 to add
beans, whole grains, and other foods rich in IP-6 to their diets before
resorting to supplements.
Inositol hexaphosphate may reduce the body's ability to absorb
some minerals such as zinc, calcium, and iron. This concern has been
raised mainly in regard infants. IP-6 can also reduce the amounts
absorbed from mineral supplements. No studies have tested the safety of
IP6 in women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Relying on this
treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for
cancer, may have serious health consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Janus SC, Weurtz B, Ondrey FG. Inositol hexaphosphate and
paclitaxel: symbiotic treatment of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.
Laryngoscope.
2007;117:1381-1388.
Jenab M, Thompson LU. The influence of phytic acid in wheat
bran on early biomarkers of colon carcinogenesis. Carcinogenesis.
1998;19:1087-1092.
Jariwalla RJ. Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) as an
anti-neoplastic and lipid-lowering agent. Anticancer Res.
1999;19:3699-3702.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. About herbs: Inositol
hexaphosphate. 2004. Accessed at:
www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/11571.cfm?RecordID=459&tab=HC on June
18, 2008.
Nestler JE, Jakubowicz DJ, Reamer P, Gunn RD, Allan G.
Ovulatory and metabolic effects of D-chiro-inositol in the polycystic
ovary syndrome. N Engl
J Med. 1999;340:1214-1320.
PDRHealth.com. Inositol hexaphosphate. Accessed at:
http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/ino_0333.shtml
on June 13, 2007. Content no longer available.
PDRHealth.com. Myo-Inositol. Accessed at:
http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/myo_0145.shtml
on June 10, 2008.
Singh RP, Agarwal C, Agarwal R. Inositol hexaphosphate
inhibits growth, and induces G1 arrest and apoptotic death of prostate
carcinoma DU145 cells: modulation of CDKI-CDK-cyclin and pRb-related
protein-E2F complexes. Carcinogenesis.
2003 ;24:555-563.
Singh RP, Sharma G, Mallikarjuna GU, Dhanalakshmi S, Agarwal
C, Agarwal R. In vivo suppression of hormone-refractory prostate cancer
growth by inositol hexaphosphate: induction of insulin-like growth
factor binding protein-3 and inhibition of vascular endothelial growth
factor. Clin Cancer Res.
2004 ;10:244-250.
Somasundar P, Riggs DR, Jackson BJ, Cunningham C, Vona-Davis
L, McFadden DW. Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6): A novel treatment for
pancreatic cancer. J
Surg Res. 2005;126:199-203.
Tantivejkul K, Vucenik I, Eiseman J, Shamsuddin AM. Inositol
hexaphosphate (IP6) enhances the anti-proliferative effects of
adriamycin and tamoxifen in breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat.
2003;79:301-312.
Vucenik I, Shamsuddin AM. Cancer inhibition by inositol
hexaphosphate (IP6) and inositol: From laboratory to clinic. J Nutr.
2003;133:3778S-3784S.
Note: This information may not cover
all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or
interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be
relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is
familiar with your medical situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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