D-myo-Inositol-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexaphosphate (sodium salt) (Synonyms: IP6, Phytic Acid)

D-myo-Inositol-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexaphosphate (IP6) is a phosphate ester of inositol. It is found in mammalian cells and undergoes interconversion to other forms of inositol phosphate that act as second messengers in cell signaling. IP6 is an antioxidant that chelates iron at a molar ratio of 1:4 to reduce iron-induced hydroxy radical production and lipid peroxidation in cell-free assays. It also inhibits the formation of thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) in cooked chicken breast when used at a concentration of 1.5 mM. IP6 inhibits proliferation of a variety of cancer cells in vitro and reduces tumor growth in rodent xenograft models. It is also known as phytic acid and is considered an anti-nutrient that binds minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc, in grains, legumes, oilseeds, nuts, and other plants and prevents their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals that ingest them. Formulations containing phytic acid have been used as preservatives in food production.