inositol

American  

[ih-noh-si-tawl, -tohl, ahy-noh-] / ɪˈnoʊ sɪˌtɔl, -ˌtoʊl, aɪˈnoʊ- /

noun

1. Biochemistry. a compound, C 6 H 12 O 6 , derivative of cyclohexane, widely distributed in plants and seeds as phytin, and occurring in animal tissue and in urine: an essential growth factor for animal life, present in the vitamin B complex.

2. Pharmacology. the commercial form of this compound, a white, sweet, crystalline solid, used chiefly to promote epithelialization of the cervix after infection or injury.

---

inositol British  

/ ɪˈnəʊsɪˌtɒl /

noun

1. a cyclic alcohol, one isomer of which ( i -inositol) is present in yeast and is a growth factor for some organisms; cyclohexanehexol. Formula: C 6 H 12 O 6

---

inositol Scientific  

/ ĭ-nō′sĭ-tôl′,-tōl′,ī-nō′- /

1. Any of nine isomeric alcohols, especially one found in plant and animal tissue and classified as a member of the vitamin B complex. Inositol is necessary for the growth of yeasts and other fungi, and in humans is especially abundant as part of a phospholipid found in the brain. Chemical formula: C ₆ H ₁₂ O ₆ .

---

Etymology

Origin of inositol

1890–95; inosite (< Greek īn-, stem of ī́s fiber, sinew + -ose ² + -ite ¹ ) + -ol ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

inositol

They found that the molecule interferes with a signaling process involved in inositol phosphate metabolism, leading to lower levels of a molecule known as IP6.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 10, 2026

In this case it was a naturally occurring sugar, inositol.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 13, 2024

They are the cleavage products of the inositol phospholipid, PIP2.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

This didn't have guarana, ginseng, vitamin B3, taurine, inositol or glucuronolactone in it – the active ingredients of today's boosters.

From The Guardian ● Jun. 15, 2014

The crucial giveaways of Kopi Luwak turned out to be four substances: citric acid, malic acid, pyroglutamic acid and inositol.

From Economist ● Aug. 29, 2013