Basic information of :

(1)CAS No.: ;
(2)Other Names: vitamin H;
(3)PubChem: 171548;
(4)ChemSpider: 149962;
(5)Molecular formula: C₁₀H₁₆N₂O₃S;
(6)Molar mass: 244.31 g mol^-1;
(7)Appearance: White crystalline needles;
(8)Melting point: 232-233 °C;
(9)Solubility in water: 22 mg/100 mL

Biotin is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin (vitamin B7) that is composed of a ureido (tetrahydroimidizalone) ring fused with a tetrahydrothiophene ring. A valeric acid substituent is attached to one of the carbon atoms of the tetrahydrothiophene ring. Biotin is a coenzyme in the metabolism of fatty acids and leucine, and it plays a role in gluconeogenesis.

Uses of Biotin:

The signs and symptoms of biotin deficiency include hair loss that progresses in severity to include loss of eyelashes and eyebrows in severely deficient subjects. Some shampoos are available that contain biotin, but it is doubtful whether they would have any useful effect, as biotin is not absorbed well through the skin.

Children with a rare inherited metabolic disorder called phenylketonuria; in which one is unable to break down the amino acid phenylalanine) often develop skin conditions such as eczema and seborrheic dermatitis in areas of the body other than the scalp. The scaly skin changes that occur in people with PKU may be related to poor ability to use biotin. Increasing dietary biotin has been known to improve seborrheic dermatitis in these cases.

Diabetics may also benefit from biotin supplementation. In both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetics, supplementation with biotin can improve blood sugar control and help lower fasting blood glucose levels, in some studies the reduction in fasting glucose exceeded 50 percent. Biotin can also play a role in preventing the neuropathy often associated with diabetes, reducing both the numbness and tingling associated with poor glucose control.