IP6 and Inositol, the natural cancer fighter

Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is a chemical found in beans, brown rice, corn, sesame seeds, wheat bran, and other high-fiber foods. It is converted into closely related compounds in the body that are used by all cells to relay outside messages to the cell nucleus. It also aids the body in its use (metabolism) of calcium and other minerals.
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Overview
Animal and lab research has found that IP6 may be effective in lowering tumor incidence and slowing growth. However, studies have not yet been done in people. Clinical trials are needed to find out how it might work in preventing or treating cancer in humans.
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How is it promoted for use?
Proponents call IP6 a "natural cancer fighter" and claim it slows or reverses the growth of various forms of cancers, including breast, colon, and prostate cancers. It is thought to be an antioxidant, a compound that blocks the action of activated oxygen molecules (known as free radicals) that can damage cells. It may help block certain abnormal signals, telling a cancer cell to keep growing, from reaching the cell’s nucleus. Some research shows IP6 slows abnormal cell division and may sometimes transform tumor cells into normal cells.
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Supporters also claim it effectively prevents kidney stones, high cholesterol, heart disease, and liver disease. Available scientific evidence does not support these claims.
What does it involve?
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Many high-fiber food sources contain IP6, and it is also available in pill form as a dietary supplement combining inositol and IP6. Scientists do not know enough about the chemical to recommend a standard supplement dose. It is not known whether taking a supplement provides the same effect as getting it from food sources.
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What is the history behind it?
The existence of IP6 has been known for several decades. Interest in its potential anti-cancer properties emerged in the mid-1980s when AbulKalam Shamsuddin, MD, PhD, a pathologist at the University of Maryland, began to conduct research studies on inositol in the lab. He published a consumer book in 1998. He and other researchers continue to study the effects of IP6.
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What is the evidence?
All of the evidence regarding the anti-cancer effects of IP6 has come from lab cell cultures and animal studies.
Lab studies of cell cultures have shown that IP6 may help put cancer cells on a path toward normal cell death, and may help keep them from spreading to other parts of the body. It may also have effects on tumor blood vessel growth and on the immune system in general. These studies have shown IP6 may have activity against pancreas, breast, prostate, colon, and other cancers. Results of some early studies in cells have also suggested that IP6 may help make certain chemotherapy or hormone therapy drugs work better.
Studies in lab animals have found that supplementing their diets with IP6 may help prevent tumors from forming in the prostate, lung, colon, skin, and other areas.
While animal and lab studies may show a certain compound holds promise as a helpful treatment, further studies are needed to find out if the results apply to humans. One preliminary human study suggested that IP6 may cause pre-cancerous lung changes in smokers to shrink. IP6 has not yet been studied in humans as a treatment for cancer.
Inositol hexaphosphate and similar chemicals have also been studied for treating polycystic ovary syndrome, panic disorders, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorders, Alzheimer's disease, post-traumatic stress disorders, and depression, but researchers have reached no firm conclusions about its impact on these conditions.
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Are there any possible problems or complications?
When taken in moderate amounts, IP6 appears to be safe. However, no studies have been done to determine its safety. Some experts advise those who wish to increase their intake of IP6 to add beans, whole grains, and other foods rich in IP-6 into their diets before resorting to supplements.
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Inositol hexaphosphate may reduce the body’s ability to absorb some minerals such as zinc, calcium, and iron. Although this concern has been raised mainly in infants, IP-6 can reduce the amounts absorbed from mineral supplements. No studies have tested the safety of IP6 in women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
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Relying on this treatment alone, and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care, may have serious health consequences.