Common Names
- IP-6; InsP-6
- Phytic acid; Phytate
- Inositol hexakisphosphate
- Myo-inositol hexaphosphate
For Patients & Caregivers
How It Works
Inositol hexaphosphate may be useful in reducing side effects from chemotherapy.
Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is a molecule found naturally in cells, where it performs important messenger roles and affects numerous cellular processes. In laboratory experiments, it inhibited events involved in blood clotting. When various types of cancer cells were incubated with IP6 in a Petri dish, it slowed their replication. IP6 may also turn cancer cells into more “normal” cells. However, it is unknown whether these effects can take place in the human body.
A small study of breast cancer patients showed that IP6 in combination with inositol may reduce chemotherapy side effects. Myo-inositol may have chemopreventive effects in some patients with chronic lung disease. Large-scale studies are needed to confirm these effects.
Purported Uses
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To treat heart disease
Some laboratory studies suggest that inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) might act as a blood thinner, but clinical trials are lacking. -
To prevent and treat cancer
Laboratory studies show that IP6 slows the replication of isolated cancer cells. Myo-inositol may have chemopreventive effects in patients with bronchial dysplasia. Large-scale confirmatory studies are needed. -
To reduce chemotherapy side effects
A small study of breast cancer patients showed that IP6 in combination with inositol may be effective in reducing chemotherapy side effects. Larger studies are needed. -
To treat depression
No scientific evidence supports this use. -
To treat kidney stones
This claim is not backed by research.
Patient Warnings
Do Not Take If
For Healthcare Professionals
Clinical Summary
A ubiquitous intracellular molecule present in mammalian cells and obtained from various dietary sources such as grains and legumes, inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is used to prevent and treat cancer and heart disease. Metabolites of IP6 enter the inositol phosphates pool and perform secondary messenger roles, extracellular signaling, and additional cellular signalling transduction (1).
IP6 was shown to be useful against sickle cell disease in vitro (14) and in mice (15). Several in vitro and animal studies also suggest anticancer (1) (3) (4) (9) (10) (12) and antiangiogenic (16) effects.
Preliminary studies in humans indicate that a combination of IP6 and inositol may alleviate chemotherapy side effects and improve quality of life in breast cancer patients (11), and that myo-inositol may have chemopreventive potential in patients with bronchial dysplasia (13). Large-scale studies are warranted to determine safety and efficacy (7) (8).
Purported Uses
Mechanism of Action
IP6 can be synthesized from inositol or obtained from the diet. Metabolites and derivatives of IP6 perform secondary messenger roles, including mobilization of intracellular calcium for mitosis. Extracellular signaling also has been demonstrated. IP6 interacts with both tyrosine kinase and PLC-coupled growth factor receptors. IP6 also enters the inositol phosphates pool, is subsequently dephosphorylated, and contributes to additional cellular signal transduction and intracellular functions (1). In vitro and animal studies suggest that IP6 reduces initiation and/or promotion, inhibits proliferation by chelation of metalloproteins, causes G0/G1 arrest, and induces differentiation of various cancer cell lines (3) (4). IP6 also may inhibit in vitro platelet activation with ADP, collagen, and thrombin by interacting with platelet cytoskeletal reorganization, P13-K activity, or agonist-induced platelet aggregation (2).
Herb-Drug Interactions
Mineral supplements: Phytic acid can bind with calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc in the stomach and reduce their bioavailability (17).
Anticoagulants/antiplatelet agents: IP6 has antiplatelet activity. It may increase the risk of bleeding when used with other anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs (2).