Alpha-lipoic acid supplement:Benefits, Pharmacodynamics, Side effects

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a supplement for managing chronic diseases characterized by oxidative stress, notably diabetic neuropathy, and demonstrates promise in slowing the onset of metabolic syndrome through antioxidant properties. This supplement exhibits multifaceted features, functioning as an antioxidant by mitigating oxidative stress-induced damage linked to chronic metabolic disorders.

Benefits

Alpha-lipoic acid is an essential cofactor for many enzyme complexes and is present in mitochondria as the cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase. It is an effective antioxidant and has been used to treat disease associated with impaired energy metabolism. It also induces the Nrf-2/ARE pathway. In both the R6/2 and N171-82Q transgenic mouse models of HD, dietary supplementation with lipoic acid resulted in significant extension of survival, and delayed weight loss in N171-82Q transgenic mice.

Alpha-lipoic acid is another potential antioxidant that can curb ROS generation by chelating redox-active transition metals augmenting reduced glutathione levels. Moreover, several lines of evidence also showed that it is actively involved in restoring a few biogenic antioxidants. In line with this, lipoic acid has been accepted and validated as an amenable scaffold for incorporating bioactive compounds.[1]

Pharmacodynamics

The mechanism and action of α-thioctic acid(ALA) when supplied externally to an organism is controversial. Lipoic acid in a cell seems primarily to induce the oxidative stress response rather than directly scavenge free radicals. This effect is specific for RLA.Despite the strongly reducing milieu, ALA has been detected intracellularly in both oxidized and reduced forms. ALA is able to scavenge reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species in a biochemical assay due to long incubation times, but there is little evidence this occurs within a cell or that radical scavenging contributes to the primary mechanisms of action of ALA.

Side effects

Alpha-lipoic acid is possibly safe for most adults when taken for up to 4 years. It is usually well-tolerated. The most common side effects are headache, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.

When applied to the skin: Alpha-lipoic acid is possibly safe for most adults when used as a cream for up to 12 weeks. It might cause a rash in some people.

References

[1] Magisetty Obulesu, Chapter 3 - Antioxidants in Alzheimer’s Therapy, Editor(s): Magisetty Obulesu, Alzheimer's Disease Theranostics, Academic Press, 2019, Pages 13-18,ISBN 9780128164129, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-816412-9.00003-3.