Alpha-Lipoic Acid

I. Basic Properties

Chemical Name: Alpha Lipoic Acid (Thioctic acid)

CAS NO.: 1077-28-7

Molecular Formula and Molecular Weight: C8H14O2S2, with a molecular weight of 206.32.

Physical State: Slightly yellow crystal powder.

Solubility: It is sparingly soluble in water but readily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and chloroform.

Stability: It is sensitive to light and requires storage in the dark; it remains stable in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated environment.

II. Core Characteristics

Dual-Effect Antioxidant Activity

It is the only natural antioxidant that possesses both lipophilicity and hydrophilicity, enabling it to penetrate cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier to function both inside and outside cells simultaneously.

Its antioxidant capacity far exceeds that of vitamin C (by 400 times) and vitamin E (by 60 times), and it even outperforms grape seed extract and anthocyanins.

Regeneration of Endogenous Antioxidants

It can regenerate antioxidant substances such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione (GSH), enhancing the overall efficacy of the antioxidant network.

Metal Chelating Effect

It can chelate heavy metal ions such as cadmium, nickel, copper, and lead, reducing the damage caused by metal toxicity to the liver and cells.

Energy Metabolism Regulation

As a coenzyme of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, it participates in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, promoting glucose metabolism and energy (ATP) production.

III. Main Applications

1. Management of Diabetes and Its Complications

Core Mechanisms:

Enhances insulin sensitivity, promotes glucose utilization, and lowers blood glucose levels.

Inhibits protein glycation, reduces the generation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and improves microvascular lesions.

Scavenges free radicals, alleviating oxidative stress-induced damage to nerves, blood vessels, and kidneys.

Clinical Applications:

Diabetic Neuropathy: Relieves limb numbness, pain, and burning sensations, and repairs damaged nerves.

Diabetic Nephropathy: Lowers serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels, delaying renal failure.

Diabetic Retinopathy: Protects retinal blood vessels and prevents vision impairment.

Research Support:

Animal studies indicate that alpha-lipoic acid can reduce blood glucose levels by up to 64%.

Human studies confirm that supplementation with 600 mg/day for six consecutive months significantly improves nerve conduction velocity.

2. Protection Against Neurodegenerative Diseases

Mechanisms of Action:

Penetrates the blood-brain barrier to directly scavenge free radicals in the brain, reducing neuronal damage.

Inhibits iron deposition and protein aggregation (e.g., Aβ protein), improving learning and memory abilities in Alzheimer's disease model rats.

Clinical Applications:

Parkinson's Disease: Protects dopaminergic neurons by reducing oxidative stress.

Alzheimer's Disease: Slows cognitive decline and improves cerebral metabolism.

3. Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases

Core Effects:

Regulates blood lipid levels and inhibits the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

Protects vascular endothelial function and reduces the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

Research Evidence:

Clinical trials demonstrate that alpha-lipoic acid supplementation reduces the risk of myocardial hypertrophy in hypertensive patients.

Animal studies show that its anti-inflammatory effects alleviate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

4. Liver Protection

Mechanisms of Action:

Chelates heavy metal ions to reduce liver toxicity.

Enhances the antioxidant defense system, lowers transaminase levels, and promotes hepatocyte regeneration.

Clinical Applications:

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Clears hepatic fat accumulation and improves liver function.

Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Accelerates the metabolism of toxic substances and reduces liver burden.

5. Anti-Aging and Beauty

Core Benefits:

Scavenges free radicals in the skin, reducing wrinkles, age spots, and dark circles under the eyes.

Promotes collagen synthesis and improves skin elasticity and radiance.

Research Support:

Human trials demonstrate that topical application of creams containing alpha-lipoic acid significantly reduces skin roughness.

Animal studies confirm that its anti-glycation effects delay skin aging.

6. Other Applications

Weight Loss Aid: Reduces fat accumulation by regulating energy metabolism, particularly effective for abdominal obesity.

Heavy Metal Detoxification: Acts as a chelating agent for heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic, promoting toxin excretion.

Radiation Protection: Improves survival rates in irradiated rats and protects immune system function.

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