Inositol is a simple carbohydrate which occurs in animal and plant tissue and is a vitamin of the B group. Hesperidin is a plant chemical that is classified as a “bioflavonoid.” It is found primarily in citrus fruits. People use it as medicine.
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Uses
Inositol is used for diabetic nerve pain, panic disorder, high cholesterol, insomnia, cancer, depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, promoting hair growth, a skin disorder called psoriasis, and treating side effects of medical treatment with lithium.
Inositol is also used by mouth for treating conditions associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, including failure to ovulate; high blood pressure; high triglycerides; and high levels of testosterone.
Hesperidin alone, or in combination with other citrus bioflavonoids (diosmin, for example), is most often used for blood vessel conditions such as hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and poor circulation (venous stasis). It is also used to treat lymphedema, a condition involving fluid retention that can be a complication of breast cancer surgery.
Benefits
- Panic disorder. Inositol shows some promise for controlling panic attacks and the fear of public places or open spaces (agoraphobia). One study found that inositol is as effective as a prescription medication. However, large-scale clinical trials are needed before inositol’s effectiveness for panic attacks can be proven.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). There is some evidence that people with OCD who receive inositol by mouth for 6 weeks experience significant improvement.
- An ovary disorder known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Taking a particular form of inositol (isomer D-chiro-inositol) by mouth seems to lower triglyceride and testosterone levels, modestly decrease blood pressure, and promote ovulation in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Problems breathing in premature infants known as “acute respiratory distress syndrome,” when given intravenously (by IV).
- Psoriasis brought on or made worse by lithium drug therapy. Inositol doesn’t seem to help psoriasis in people not taking lithium.
- Poor circulation in the legs (chronic venous insufficiency, CVI). Taking a particular product (Cyclo 3 Fort) containing hesperidin methyl chalcone, butcher’s broom, and vitamin C by mouth seems to relieve the symptoms of poor circulation in the legs. Also, taking a specific product (Daflon 500, Les Laboratoires Servier) containing hesperidin and diosmin by mouth for 2-6 months seems to improve CVI symptoms, although taking the drug Venoruton might be more effective for treating this condition.
- Hemorrhoids. Some research suggests that taking a specific product (Daflon 500, Les Laboratoires Servier) containing hesperidin and diosmin by mouth for up to 3 months improves symptoms of anal hemorrhoids. It may also prevent hemorrhoids from coming back after they have healed.
- Leg ulcers from poor circulation (venous stasis ulcers). Taking a specific product (Daflon 500, Les Laboratoires Servier) containing hesperidin and diosmin by mouth for 2 months seems to improve the healing of small venous stasis ulcers when used along with compression dressings.
Cautions
Hesperidin is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth for up to 6 months. The safety of using it for a longer period of time is unknown. Side effects include stomach pain and upset, diarrhea, and headache.
Inositol is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults. It can cause nausea, tiredness, headache, and dizziness.
Interactions
No interactions are found. Please talk to your doctor.
References
Source: WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1033-hesperidin.aspx?activeingredientid=1033&activeingredientname=hesperidin