Myo-Inositol

Complete Ingredient Profile
Ingredient Name & Common Synonyms
Primary Name: Myo-inositol
Common Synonyms: Inositol, Vitamin B8 (not technically a vitamin), Cyclohexanehexol, cis-1,2,3,5-trans-4,6-Cyclohexanehexol
Chemical Classification: Cyclic polyol, Sugar alcohol, Pseudovitamin
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₂O₆
Overview
Botanical Family: Naturally occurring in plants (Fabaceae, Poaceae families)
Primary Origin: Rice bran, corn, citrus fruits, cantaloupe, beans, nuts
Extraction Method: Industrial synthesis from glucose or extraction from plant sources, followed by crystallization
Molecular Structure: Six-carbon cyclohexane ring with six hydroxyl groups in a specific stereochemical arrangement
Appearance: White, crystalline, odorless powder with a sweet taste
Benefits & Uses
For Women's Hormonal Health:
- PCOS Management: Myo-inositol led to a statistically significant improvement in the hormonal and metabolic profile of PCOS patients in recent 2024 clinical studies
- Insulin Sensitivity: Myo-inositol is an upcoming insulin-sensitizing agent, which is a second messenger responsible for insulin-mediated intracellular glucose transport
- Hormonal Balance: Myo-inositol increases insulin sensitivity, decreases hyperandrogenism, and improves the menstrual cycle
- Reproductive Health: Studies show that by taking an inositol supplement, especially with folic acid, you can improve many of the symptoms of PCOS. This includes improved blood sugar, reduced blood pressure, and lower triglyceride levels
Mechanism of Action:
- Insulin Signaling: Acts as a second messenger in insulin signaling pathways
- Ovarian Function: Improves ovarian function and egg quality in women with PCOS
- Hormonal Regulation: Helps normalize testosterone and other hormone levels
- Metabolic Support: Enhances glucose metabolism and lipid profiles
Safety & Warnings
General Safety Profile:
Myo-inositol is safe and has good compliance. Inositol is generally safe for most people, with minimal side effects at doses up to 18 grams daily
Dosage Safety:
- Standard Dosage: Studies finding beneficial effects of inositol on gestational diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome typically administer myo-inositol in the range of 1 - 4 grams (1000 - 4000 milligrams) once daily
- Orbelli Dosage: 2000mg per serving falls well within the safe therapeutic range
- Maximum Safe Dose: Doses of up to 4000 mg of myo-inositol daily have been used with apparent safety
Potential Side Effects:
- Minimal Side Effects: Studies have shown that inositol is safe and well-tolerated when taken at the typical recommended dose of 4,000 mg a day
- Rare Digestive Effects: Mild nausea, stomach upset, or diarrhea in sensitive individuals
- Better Tolerance: Negative side effects such as nausea and tiredness occurred less often with inositol than with fluvoxamine
Important Warnings:
Pregnancy: Inositol is possibly safe when taken by mouth, short-term during pregnancy
Breastfeeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if inositol is safe to use when breastfeeding
May cause mild throat irritation in some individuals - this is normal and typically resolves quickly
Consult a healthcare provider if you have diabetes, as it may affect blood sugar levels
Recommended Patch-Test Instructions:
Not applicable for oral supplements. For topical applications containing myo-inositol, perform a 48-hour patch test on the inner forearm.
Formulation Tips
Physical Properties:
- pH Range: 6.0-8.0 (slightly alkaline in aqueous solution)
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water (14g/100mL at 25°C), slightly soluble in alcohol
- Stability: Heat-stable up to 200°C, stable across the pH range 4-10
- Melting Point: 225-227°C
Optimal Dosing:
- Therapeutic Range: For polycystic ovary syndrome: 2-4 grams daily, with 4,000 mg per day split into two doses being most common
- Orbelli Formula: 2000mg per serving (optimal therapeutic dose)
- Bioavailability: High oral bioavailability, no significant first-pass metabolism
Pairing Suggestions:
- Synergistic with: D-chiro-inositol (40:1 ratio optimal), folic acid, alpha-lipoic acid
- Compatible with: Amino acids, vitamins, minerals, other insulin sensitizers
- Enhanced by: The MYO/DCI combination is effective when used at a ratio of at least 40:1
- Best taken: With or without food, consistent timing recommended
Scientific References
- Latest Clinical Study (2024): The Effectiveness of Myo-Inositol in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - PubMed, 2024
- PCOS Guidelines Meta-analysis (2024): Inositol for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis - Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2024
- Comprehensive Meta-analysis (2023): Inositol is an effective and safe treatment in polycystic ovary syndrome - Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 2023
- Combination Therapy Review (2023): Update on the combination of myo-inositol/d-chiro-inositol for PCOS treatment - Climacteric, 2023
- Safety and Dosage Review: Inositol benefits, dosage, and side effects - Examine.com, 2023
- Cleveland Clinic Review (2025): Inositol: Benefits & Side Effects - Cleveland Clinic, 2025
Related Orbelli Products
- Women's Hormonal Balance - Features 2000mg Myo-inositol as the primary active ingredient for PCOS and hormonal support
- Combined with D-chiro-inositol (50mg) for an optimal 40:1 therapeutic ratio
- Additional product links to be added
Last updated: August 2025 | This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice.









