What is Inositol ? and does it help rebuild nerve damage from diabetes?

Is it a prescription? how long does it take to work?

Inositol is primarily used in the treatment of liver problems, depression, panic disorder, and diabetes. It also aids in the breakdown of fats, helps in the reduction of blood cholesterol, and helps to prevent thinning hair. It promotes the export of fat from the liver. Inositol is required for the proper function of several brain neurotransmitters. Inositol may improve nerve conduction velocities in diabetics with peripheral neuropathy. Inositol works together with other methyl donors such as TMG or SAMe. Inositol may help protect against atherosclerosis and hair loss. There has also been the suggestion that it may help to reverse some nerve damage caused by diabetes. Inositol has also been tried for other psychological and nerve-related conditions. Myo-Inositol has been used in the treatment of liver disease, depression, panic disorder, diabetic neuropathy, respiratory distress syndrome, and to treat the side effects of the medicine lithium. Inositol also has a prominent calming effect on the central nervous system, so it is sometimes helpful to those with insomnia. Inositol may also be involved in depression.

Diabetes: Two uncontrolled studies have shown mixed results in the use of inositol for complications of diabetes, specifically diabetic neuropathy.5

Recommended Dosage: 500 mg twice daily for diabetic neuropathy; doses up to 12 grams per day have been used for neuropsychiatric problems.

Inositol, (of which the most prominent naturally occurring form is myo-inositol, cis-1,2,3,5-trans-4,6-cyclohexanehexol), is a carbocyclic polyol that plays an important role as the structural basis for a number of secondary messengers in eukaryotic cells, including inositol phosphates, phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP) lipids. It is found in many foods, in particular, in cereals with high bran content, nuts, beans, and fruit, especially cantaloupe melons and oranges. Inositol is not considered a vitamin itself because it can be synthesised by the body.

Other naturally occurring isomers (though in minimal quantities) are scyllo-, chiro-, muco-, and neo-inositol. Other possible isomers are allo-, epi-, and cis-inositol.

Myo-Inositol was classified as a member of the vitamin B complex (often referred to as vitamin B8), but was found to be synthesized by the human body (thus, declassifying it as a vitamin).

Inositol reduces blood cholesterol levels, unfortunately it does not and nothing will reverse nerve damage.
Yes it is a prescription..not sure how long it takes effect!