What is Chiroin?
Chiroin is a proprietary extract produced from the juice of carob pods. The principle constituent, D-Chiro Inositol (DCI) is a messenger, directing insulin function. DCI is found to be low in hyperglycemic patients. There have been over thirty published studies. In double-blind studies, women with PCOS who received DCI experienced the following statistically significant benefits when compared with a control group: lowered free and total testosterone, lowered blood pressure, increased insulin sensitivity and a corresponding improvement in glucose disposal, and increased frequency of ovulation.
How does Chiroin work?
Chiroin helps to stimulate insulin function of managing blood glucose and lipids to normal levels. It increases glucose and lipid disposal in the body, overcoming insulin resistance. It is found to increase ovulation in women suffering from PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
What do studies suggest?
There have been over thirty published studies. In a forty-four patient study with obese women diagnosed with PCOS, twenty-two women ovulated as compared with six out of twenty-two who received the placebo. The conclusion of the study was that D-Chiro Inositol increases the action of insulin in patients with PCOS, thereby improving ovulatory function, and decreasing serum androgen concentration, blood pressure and plasma triglyceride concentrations.[1] In twenty lean women with PCOS, 600mg of DCI administered for six to eight weeks was found to reduce circulating insulin, decrease serum androgens, and reduce blood pressure and elevated triglycerides associated with metabolic syndrome.2
Is Chiroin good for men? The monograph refers to an ability to increase ovulation in woman: does this mean it has a hormonal component? In other words, is it good for men as well?
Yes, Chiroin can be used by both men and women. The formula has a regulatory role. It lowers testosterone only in patients with elevated testosterone. It is useful for treating men with insulin resistance without reducing androgens. It is also good for men with metabolic syndrome and high triglycerides.
How do you determine dosage of Chiroin?
1-2 capsules a day is the dosage for lean women, 2-4 capsules a day for heavy set/obese women.
When should Chiroin be taken?
It should be taken with meals.
Does Chiroin help fertility? Is it given prior to ovulation or throughout her entire cycle?
Chiroin should be taken every day. Chiroin increases the frequency of ovulation, reduces androgens, and reverses PCOS, thus promoting fertility.
How do you understand the Chinese Medicine properties of this preparation?
My personal observation based upon energetics and the qualities of the herb extract are that it is a unique spleen tonic.
I frequently suggest inositol for clients with anxiety. For myself, I found that even a small amount (1/2g) of inositol knocks me out. Does DCI (Chiroin) work the same way?
Chiroin typically will not cause sleepiness in most patients. If anything, Chiroin seems energizing. Keep in mind DCI is not the same as inositol. It has different effects and works uniquely in the body.
Is Chiroin safe to use long-term? How long should a person use it?
Chiroin should be taken for at least three months in order to make the cells more sensitive to insulin. It is safe to use long-term.
Reference – [1.] Nestler J.E., et al. Ovulatory and metabolic effects of D-chiro-inositol in the polycystic ovary syndrome. N. Engl. J. Med.1999; 340: 1314-1320.