The 40:1 myo-inositol/D-chiro-inositol plasma ratio is able to restore ovulation in PCOS patients: comparison with other ratios

Nordio et al., 2019 | Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci | Rct

Citation

Nordio M, Basciani S, Camajani E. The 40:1 myo-inositol/D-chiro-inositol plasma ratio is able to restore ovulation in PCOS patients: comparison with other ratios. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2019-Jun;23(12):5512-5521. doi:10.26355/eurrev_201906_18223

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of seven different ratios between two inositols stereoisomers, myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI), in the therapy of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: fifty-six PCOS patients (8 for each group) were treated by oral route using the following formulations: DCI alone, and 1:3.5; 2.5:1; 5:1; 20:1; 40:1, 80:1 MI/DCI ratio. They received 2 g of inositols twice a day for 3 months. The primary outcome was ovulation, the secondary outcome included the improvement of FSH, LH, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), 17-beta-Estradiol (E2), free testosterone, basal and postprandial insulin levels, as well as HOMA index, BMI and menses. RESULTS: We found that the 40:1 MI/DCI ratio is the best for PCOS therapy aimed at restoring ovulation and normalizing important parameters in these patients. The other formulations were less effective. In particular, a decreased activity was observed when the 40:1 ratio was modified in favour of DCI. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated that DCI activity is beneficial mainly at a specific ratio with MI, whereas the increase of DCI causes the loss of the beneficial effects at reproductive level. These results in humans validate a previous preclinical study with different MI/DCI ratios carried out in an experimental model of PCOS mice.

Key Findings

We found that the 40:1 MI/DCI ratio is the best for PCOS therapy aimed at restoring ovulation and normalizing important parameters in these patients. The other formulations were less effective. In particular, a decreased activity was observed when the 40:1 ratio was modified in favour of DCI.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Combinations
  • Estradiol
  • Female
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone
  • Humans
  • Inositol
  • Insulin
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Mice
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovulation
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  • Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Testosterone
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: inositol

Provenance


Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-10