Lipoic acid is also known as alpha-lipoic acid or ALA and thioctic acid. It is a powerful free radical scavenger and a powerful antioxidant. Unlike many other antioxidants, alpha-lipoic acid is both lipophilic and hydrophilic (fat soluble and water soluble) and evidence suggests that it may help regenerate other well-known antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and also increase the intracellular concentration. glutathione levels.
In addition to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects, alpha lipoic acid has demonstrated neuroprotective, cytoprotective, antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities.
According to experts in the field, it has been widely used and studied abroad for diabetic peripheral neuropathies and for various liver problems such as hepatitis C.
Why intravenous administration?
Naturally, our body has very little free circulating alpha-lipoic acid, so supplementation may be an attractive alternative and/or a concurrent adjunct to conventional therapy in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy and liver diseases.
Studies have shown that intravenous infusion of alpha lipoic acid is safe and effective in reducing symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and these results were not achieved with oral supplementation.
Clinical research:
A 1997 study by D Ziegler: “Alpha lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic cardiac and peripheral autonomic neuropathy” concluded that intravenous infusion of alpha lipoic acid for 3 weeks is safe and effective in reducing symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy . https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9285502
A 1995 summary by L Packer – Alpha-lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant. -NCBI – NIH https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7649494
ALA Supplementation and Inflammation:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0939475318301248
ALA and CANCER
ALA and breast cancer:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29802942/
Lipoic acid inhibits cell proliferation of tumor cells: