A cyclitol with diverse biological activities; decreases NF-κB gene expression and induces DNA fragmentation and apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells; induces endothelium- and nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation in isolated mouse mesenteric arteries; reduces systolic blood pressure in mice at 10 mg/kg; enhances creatine clearance, reduces tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and increases levels of the cytosolic antioxidant enzymes SOD1 and NQO1 in a mouse model of cyclosporin A-induced nephropathy at 50 mg/kg; decreases plasma glucose levels in a mouse model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes