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Alpha-lipoic Acid powder (1077-28-7)
Alpha-lipoic Acid powder Base Information
| Name | Alpha-lipoic Acid powder |
| CAS | 1077-28-7 |
| Purity | 98% |
| Chemical name | (+/-)-1,2-Dithiolane-3-pentanoic Acid; (+/-)-1,2-Dithiolane-3-valeric Acid; (+/-)-Alpha-lipoic Acid/Thioctic acid; (RS)-α-Lipoic Acid |
| Synonyms | DL-Alpha-lipoic Acid/Thioctic acid; Liposan; Lipothion; NSC 628502; NSC 90788; Protogen A; Thioctsan;Tioctacid; |
| Molecular Formula | C8H14O2S2 |
| Molecular Weight | 206.318 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 60-62 °C |
| InChI Key | AGBQKNBQESQNJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| Form | Solid |
| Appearance | Light Yellow to Yellow |
| Half Life | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Solubility | Soluble in Chloroform (Slightly), DMSO (Slightly), Methanol (Slightly) |
| Storage Condition | Dry, dark and at 0 – 4 C for short term (days to weeks) or -20 C for long term (months to years). |
| Application | A fat-metabolism stimulator. |
| Testing Document | Available |
| Alpha-lipoic Acid Powder picture |
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What is Alpha-lipoic Acid?
Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant derived from caprylic acid. Its other names are ALA, lipoic acid, Biletan, Lipoicin, Thioctan, etc. Its chemical name is 1,2-dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid or thioctic acid. It is an organosulfur compound and is produced in the body of humans and animals. Its production occurs from octanoic acid and cysteine as a sulfur source. It is a vital substance for aerobic metabolism in the body. It is present in every cell and helps to create energy from glucose.
It has many cellular and molecular functions, because of its antioxidant abilities. This antioxidative action of alpha-lipoic acid has raised its interest for use as a nutritive supplement. It is also used as a therapeutic agent. It may be a possible treatment in diabetes, weight loss, neuropathy caused due to diabetes, wound healing, improving skin conditions, etc.
The alpha-lipoic acid powder has a half-life of 30 minutes to one hour. It is slightly soluble in chloroform, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and methanol. It can be obtained from spinach, yeast, broccoli, potatoes, meat like liver and kidney.
The maximum dose that an adult can take in a day is 2400mg.
How Does Alpha-lipoic Acid Work?
Alpha-lipoic acid has antioxidant properties. It means it can actively fight against the free radicals in the body and slow down incidents such as cell aging and help maintain healthy cells.
It is produced in the mitochondria and acts as an essential cofactor for breaking down enzymes and nutrients. It also chelates the metal ions and reduces the oxidized form of other antioxidants such as vitamin C, Vitamin E, and glutathione. It can also regenerate them.Alpha-lipoic acid is necessary for controlling reactive oxygen species.
Alpha-lipoic acid also promotes the antioxidant defense system. It does this via Nrf-2-mediated antioxidant gene expression. It also modulates the genes that need a peroxisome proliferator to activate them.
Alpha-lipoic acid also inhibits nuclear factor kappa B. It activates the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in skeletal muscles and causes various metabolic actions.
There are two forms of alpha-lipoic acid. They are oxidized lipoic acid (LA) and reduced dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA). DHLA is produced in the mitochondria containing cells in the body. This is possible with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen (NADH) and lipoamide dehydrogenase. These two substances aid in this conversion reaction.
In cells that lack mitochondria, alpha-lipoic acid can get reduced to DHLA through nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). This action is assisted by glutathione and thioredoxin reductases.
Alpha-lipoic acid has a unique property that makes it different from glutathione. While only the reduced form of glutathione is an antioxidant, both reduced and non-reduced forms of alpha-lipoic acid are powerful antioxidants.
Alpha-lipoic acid is also involved in repairing oxidized proteins and can help in the regulation of gene transcription.
Alpha-lipoic acid has anti-inflammatory properties as well. It stops the kappa B kinase, an enzyme that activates NF-kB, the factor that modulates inflammatory cytokines [1].
History of Alpha-lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid was discovered in 1937 by Snell. At that time, the scientists were studying a type of bacteria that used potato juice for reproduction. 1n 1951, it was isolated by Reed. The first clinical use started in Germany in 1959 for treating poisoning due to death cap mushrooms.
The information regarding the use of alpha-lipoic acid and its effectiveness is still not completed. Its use in medical treatment has not been verified by the FDA yet. But over the years, it has gained popularity as a supplement.
What Are The Side Effects of Alpha-lipoic Acid?
Like most other medications, alpha-lipoic acid also has some side effects.
Some of the most common side effects of alpha-lipoic acid are:
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hypersensitivity
- Light-headedness
- Low blood sugar
- Skin rash
- Intoxication
Alpha-lipoic acid powder’s effects on pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are unknown. So it is recommended to avoid using this when pregnant or breastfeeding.
What Are the Benefits of Alpha-lipoic Acid?
There are several benefits of alpha-lipoic acid. They are:
Effect on Alzheimer’s Disease
The alpha-lipoic acid powder has the potential to delay the start or slow down the progression of neurodegenerative disease. A study was conducted on nine patients with Alzheimer’s disease. 600mg of Alpha-lipoic acid was given daily for 12 months [2]. It was capable of stabilizing the cognition in these patients. Its antioxidant property may slow down the condition and may even act as a neuroprotective agent.
Effect on Diabetes
Alpha-lipoic acid may help to lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Since its antioxidant properties can get rid of free radicals in the body, it can help treat the damage to the cells caused by diabetes. It may also improve insulin resistance in diabetic individuals. It can prevent the death of beta cells and may even enhance glucose uptake and slows down the complications of diabetes, especially diabetic neuropathy [3].
Effect on Stroke
Alpha-lipoic acid has neuroprotective abilities. Its antioxidant actions may also assist in neuron proliferation in the brain that has suffered a stroke. A study done on rats with ischemic stroke who were given alpha-lipoic acid showed an improvement in their condition[4]. Hence, it may help to improve the condition of stroke patients.
Effect on Aging
The alpha-lipoic acid powder may also be able to help slow down the aging of the skin. Alpha-lipoic acid can provide one electron to the skin-damaging and aging-causing active ingredient and oxidize itself. This way it can stop aging and can also fill the role of the deficient antioxidant component [5]. This may also help against the damage caused by various substances.
Effect on Mercury Poisoning and Autism
Alpha-lipoic acid can pass the blood-brain barrier. It may even be used to detoxify mercury attached to the brain cells in case of mercury poisoning [6]. It can mobilize the bound mercury into the bloodstream from where other chelator agents like dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) or methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) can transfer the mercury safely into the kidneys and then get excreted out in the urine. As neither DMSA nor MSM can cross the blood-brain barrier, using alpha-lipoic acid with DMSA can help to safely remove mercury. This may also help to treat autism as autistic children have higher levels of mercury in their brains compared to normal. However, studies regarding this are limited.
Effect on Anemia
A study was conducted on patients with end-stage kidney disease with anemia where alpha-lipoic acid was given to the patients [7]. It showed to be as capable as erythropoietin in increasing the levels of hemoglobin without any harmful effects. Hence, it may help treat anemia caused by end-stage renal failure. It may also be economically beneficial.
Effect as an Antioxidant
Since the alpha-lipoic acid powder is an antioxidant, it has many benefits and can help with many kinds of conditions in the body.
Effect on Neurotoxicity Due to Alcoholism
Alcohol can cause neurological disorders due to oxidative stress. Alpha-lipoic acid can help to treat neurotoxicity due to alcohol. It can prevent the protein oxidation that occurs in ethanol intake [8].
Effect on Weight Loss
Alpha-lipoic acid may also be an ideal supplement for helping in losing weight for overweight and obese people [9]. It has lesser side effects compared to other weight loss medications and has antioxidants that could help in keeping the person healthy.
Contraindications
There aren’t many studies on the contraindications of alpha-lipoic acid. However, some patients with some conditions must be wary before using this substance and consult with a doctor before they use it.
Some of these conditions are:
- Liver disease
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Thyroid disease
- Thiamine deficiency
Drug Interactions With Alpha-lipoic Acid
There is not much information about alpha-lipoic acid’s interaction with other drugs. But some medications are best to be avoided with this supplement.
Some of these drugs are:
Hypoglycemic Drugs — Alpha-lipoic has got blood sugar decreasing ability. In some cases it can cause insulin autoimmune syndrome, leading to hypoglycemia. So using it with hypoglycemic drugs may cause rapid hypoglycemia which may be dangerous.
Thyroid medications — Alpha-lipoic acid may lower the level of thyroid hormones. So proper monitoring is required when used with levothyroxine.
Where Can You Buy Alpha-lipoic Acid in 2021?
You can buy alpha-lipoic acid powder directly from the alpha-lipoic acid manufacturer company. It is available in a solid light yellow to yellow powder. It is packed in a package of 1 kg per packet and 25kg per drum. However, this can be changed according to the needs of the buyer.
It needs to be stored at a temperature of 0 to 4°C for the short term and -20°C for the long term. It needs a cold, dark, and dry place for storage to prevent it from reacting with other chemicals in the environment. This product is made from the best ingredients following proper protocols.
References Cited
- Li, G., Fu, J., Zhao, Y., Ji, K., Luan, T., & Zang, B. (2015). Alpha-lipoic acid exerts anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated rat mesangial cells via inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Inflammation, 38(2), 510-519.
- Hager, K., Kenklies, M., McAfoose, J., Engel, J., & Münch, G. (2007). α-lipoic acid as a new treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease—A 48 months follow-up analysis. In Neuropsychiatric Disorders An Integrative Approach(pp. 189-193). Springer, Vienna.
- Laher, I. (2011). Diabetes and alpha-lipoic acid. Frontiers in pharmacology, 2, 69.
- Choi, K. H., Park, M. S., Kim, H. S., Kim, K. T., Kim, H. S., Kim, J. T., … & Cho, K. H. (2015). Alpha-lipoic acid treatment is neurorestorative and promotes functional recovery after stroke in rats. Molecular brain, 8(1), 1-16.
- Kim, K., Kim, J., Kim, H., & Sung, G. Y. (2021). Effect of α-Lipoic Acid on the Development of Human Skin Equivalents Using a Pumpless Skin-on-a-Chip Model. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(4), 2160.
- Bjørklund, G., Aaseth, J., Crisponi, G., Rahman, M. M., & Chirumbolo, S. (2019). Insights on alpha-lipoic and dihydrolipoic acids as promising scavengers of oxidative stress and possible chelators in mercury toxicology. Journal of inorganic biochemistry, 195, 111-119.
- El-Nakib, G. A., Mostafa, T. M., Abbas, T. M., El-Shishtawy, M. M., Mabrouk, M. M., & Sobh, M. A. (2013). Role of alpha-lipoic acid in the management of anemia in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis. International journal of nephrology and renovascular disease, 6, 161.
- Pirlich, M., Kiok, K., Sandig, G., Lochs, H., & Grune, T. (2002). Alpha-lipoic acid prevents ethanol-induced protein oxidation in mouse hippocampal HT22 cells. Neuroscience Letters, 328(2), 93-96.
- Kucukgoncu, S., Zhou, E., Lucas, K. B., & Tek, C. (2017). Alpha‐lipoic acid (ALA) as a supplementation for weight loss: results from a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. Obesity Reviews, 18(5), 594-601.
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