The Healing-Promoting Properties of Selected Cyclitols—A Review

Introduction: <i>Myo</i>-inositol and its derivatives cyclitols play an important role in the processes of cell regulation, signal transduction, osmoregulation, and ion channel physiology, and are a component of the cell membrane. Free cyclitols present in food or released during the deg...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Agnieszka Owczarczyk-Saczonek, Lesław Bernard Lahuta, Magdalena Ligor, Waldemar Placek, Ryszard Józef Górecki, Bogusław Buszewski
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2018-12-01
Series:Nutrients
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/12/1891
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Summary:Introduction: <i>Myo</i>-inositol and its derivatives cyclitols play an important role in the processes of cell regulation, signal transduction, osmoregulation, and ion channel physiology, and are a component of the cell membrane. Free cyclitols present in food or released during the degradation of galactosyl cyclitols by bacteria (in digestive tract) show some physiological benefits. Aim: The aim of this paper is to present and analyze the documented data about curative and healing properties of cyclitols. Results and discussion: Cyclitols are well known compounds in the treatment of an accompanied diabetes insulin resistance, and also obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome. <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">d</span>-<i>chiro</i>-Inositol deficiency exacerbates insulin resistance in the liver, muscles, and fat, while depletion of <i>myo</i>-inositol results in the development of diabetic complications. Cyclitols are successfully applied in treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome, simultaneous are observed effective reducing of BMI, improving the hormonal profile, and increasing fertility. Moreover, cyclitols have anti-atherogenic, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Conclusion: The properties of cyclitols may be a good therapeutic option in the reduction of metabolically induced inflammation. Due to well drugs tolerance and low toxicity of these compounds, cyclitols are recommend for pregnant women and also for children. Another advantage is their widespread presence and easy availability, which encourages their use in medicine.
ISSN:2072-6643