Protection Against Cancer by Dietary IP6 and Inositol

Abstract: Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is a naturally occurring polyphosphorylated carbohydrate, abundantly present in many plant sources and in certain high-fiber diets, such as cereals and legumes. In addition to being found in plants, IP6 is contained in almost all mammalian cells, although in much smaller amounts, where it is important in regulating vital cellular functions such as signal transduction, cell proliferation, and differentiation. For a long time IP6 has been recognized as a natural antioxidant. Recently IP6 has received much attention for its role in cancer prevention and control of experimental tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. In addition, IP6 possesses other significant benefits for human health, such as the ability to enhance immune system, prevent pathological calcification and kidney stone formation, lower elevated serum cholesterol, and reduce pathological platelet activity. In this review we show the efficacy and discuss some of the molecular mechanisms that govern the ac...