Myo-inositol (MI)

Myo-inositol is the most stable isomer of inositol, a six-carbon cyclic sugar alcohol and a polyol (C6H12O6) found in all living cells. It is highly water-soluble and acts primarily as the structural basis for many crucial secondary messengers in eukaryotic cells, particularly inositol phosphates and lipid-derived messengers such as phosphatidylinositol and its phosphorylated derivatives (PIP lipids). These inositol-containing molecules play a pivotal role in cellular signaling, energy metabolism, membrane structure, and are involved in diverse processes such as insulin signal transduction, cell growth, apoptosis, and neurotransmission. While inositol itself is not a direct pharmacological target, enzymes involved in its metabolism (e.g., inositol monophosphatase targeted by lithium) and signaling derivatives are clinically relevant.

Other names

Myo-inositolCyclohexanehexoli-Inositolmeso-InositolDamboseInositalInositeneInositinaiso-InositolMeat sugarMesovitMyoinositeMIPhaseomanniteScylliteCyclohexitolInositeMouse antialopecia factorMuscle sugarRat antispectacled eye factorHexahydroxycyclohexane

As a precursor: mechanism involves metabolism to signaling lipids and messengers. For *lithium*: inhibits inositol monophosphatase, reducing availability of free inositol and modulating signal transduction