Anti-inflammatory Effects of Pinitol (3-O-methyl-chiro-inositol) in Rats

This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of a natural compound, pinitol (3-O-methyl-chiro-inositol) against acute or subacute inflammation in rats. The single oral administration of pinitol at 5 and 20 ㎎/㎏ showed a significant inhibition of paw edema in a dose-dependent manner. Although no statistically significant difference was noted, the 7-day administration of pinitol at 5 and 20 ㎎/㎏ also showed a tendency to decrease the weights of granuloma formed by cotten pellet implantation. It was concluded that pinitol has an anti-inflammatory effect on acute and subacute inflammation. These results suggest that a pinitol can be developed as an anti-inflammatory drug or a functional food to prevent or attenuate various types of inflammation-related diseases.