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 carbohydrate found naturally in many plants and mammalian cells, where it performs important messenger roles and affects numerous cellular processes. It was shown to have anticancer and anti-angiogenic effects.
Small studies of breast cancer patients showed that IP6 may reduce chemotherapy-induced side effects. Myo-inositol may also have chemopreventive effects in some patients with chronic lung disease. Large-scale studies are needed to confirm these effects.
Purported Uses
-
To prevent and treat cancer
Lab studies have shown anticancer effects. Clinical data are lacking. -
To reduce chemotherapy side effects
Small studies of breast cancer patients showed that IP6 may be effective in reducing chemotherapy-associated side effects. Larger studies are needed. -
To treat heart disease
Evidence is lacking to support this claim. -
To treat depression
Evidence is lacking to support this claim. -
To treat kidney stones
Evidence is lacking to support this claim.
Do Not Take If
Your are taking mineral supplements: Phytic acid can bind with calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc in the stomach and reduce their bioavailability.
Your are taking anticoagulants/antiplatelet agents: IP6 has antiplatelet activity and may increase the risk of bleeding.
Clinical relevance of these interactions is not known.
For Healthcare Professionals
Clinical Summary
A naturally occurring compound, Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is a polyphosphorylated carbohydrate that is present in most plants and in mammalian cells. It is used to prevent and treat cancer and heart disease. Metabolites of IP6 enter the inositol phosphate pool and perform secondary messenger roles, extracellular signaling, and additional cellular signalling transduction (1). Preclinical studies have shown IP6 to exert anticancer (1) (3) (4) (9) (10) (12) as well as anti-angiogenic (16) effects; and to be useful against sickle cell disease (14) (15).
Supplementation with IP6 was reported to improve fasting serum uric acid levels in hyperuricemic subjects (18); and to inhibit formation of advanced glycation end products in patients with type-2 diabetes (19).
Preliminary findings also indicate effectiveness of a combination of oral IP6 and inositol for alleviating chemotherapy-induced side effects and for improving quality of life in breast cancer patients (11). Similar benefits were reported with topical IP6 (20). In another study, myo-inositol showed chemopreventive potential in patients with bronchial dysplasia (13). Larger studies are warranted to confirm these findings (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). Clinical relevance is not known.
Anticoagulants/antiplatelet agents: IP6 has antiplatelet activity, and may increase the risk of bleeding when used with other anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs (2). Clinical relevance is not known.