Potential for Novel Therapeutic Uses of Alpha Lipoic Acid

Abstract

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant used in the management of diabetic neuropathy due to its ability to prevent neuronal lipid peroxidation. ALA also chelates transition metals, which can be beneficial in some diseases related to metal overload. Because of its unique antioxidant properties, ALA has potential novel applications in other diseases related to oxidative stress and inflammation. This review summarizes aspects of recent clinical trials in addition to the well described uses to manage neuropathies. The unique pharmacological actions of ALA, coupled with a relatively low toxicity, has other led to several trials on the potential therapeutic uses of ALA in the management of other diseases associated with increases in oxidative stress, inflammation and metal overload.

Antioxidant Hydrogels: Antioxidant Mechanisms, Design Strategies, and Applications in the Treatment of Oxidative Stress‐Related Diseases

“…[ 156 ] It can also synergistically collaborate with other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, augmenting cellular antioxidant processes. [ 157 ] Notably, ALA showcases the ability to chelate metal ions (such as copper, iron, and zinc), forming complexes to alleviate detrimental oxidative processes. [ 158 ] Furthermore, ALA can activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby stimulating the production of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD and GPx.…”

Integrated approach to reducing polypharmacy in older people: exploring the role of oxidative stress and antioxidant potential therapy

“…Alpha-Lipoic acid (ALA) is an endogenous antioxidant derived from octanoic acid, which is found in various foods of animal or vegetable origin. It has a high antioxidant capacity, acting in multiple ways to reduce oxidative stress, among which it has been reported that it acts as a radical scavenger and ionic metal chelator, promotes the synthesis of GSH and recycles other antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) [ 345 ]. In addition, this antioxidant has an amphipathic nature, which allows it to act both at the extracellular and intracellular levels.…”

α-Lipoic acid chemistry: the past 70 years

“… 3 Moreover, it has great therapeutic potential in managing numerous clinical conditions, including anti-cancer, anti-HIV, anti-inflammatory, and anti-AD treatments. Some reviews have summarized the biological activities and therapeutic potentials of ALA. 4 …”