Alpha Lipoic Acid: The Natural Anti-Inflammatory

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Alpha Lipoic Acid: The Natural Anti-Inflammatory

Unlike Vitamin C, which is water soluble and Vitamin E, which is fat

soluble, Alpha Lipoic Acid is a unique antioxidant that is both water

and fat soluble, which allows it to enter all parts of the cell to

neutralize free radicals. Alpha Lipoic Acid contributes to and is

important for the production of energy inside the cell by utilizing

sugar to produce energy contributing to mental and physical stamina,

reducing muscle fatigue and neutralizes free radicals. Alpha Lipoic

Acid recycles and enhances the effects of both Vitamin C and Vitamin

E.

Scientists first discovered the importance of alpha lipoic acid in

the 1950s, and recognized it as an antioxidant in 1988. It has been

the subject of research around the world, some being done at UC

Berkeley by Dr. Lester Packer, a leading expert in the area of

antioxidants and a professor of molecular and cell biology at the

University of California at Berkeley. He believes that Alpha Lipoic

Acid could have far-reaching consequences in the search for

prevention and therapy of chronic degenerative diseases such as

diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Because it's the only

antioxidant that can easily get into the brain, it could be useful in

preventing oxidative stress and damage from a stroke. [1].

Alpha Lipoic Acid is easily absorbed when taken orally and once

inside cells is quickly converted to its most potent form,

dihydrolipoic acid. Because both Alpha Lipoic Acid and dihydrolipoic

acid are antioxidants, their combined actions give them greater

antioxidant potency than any natural antioxidant now known. This also

makes it important for regulating aspects of the immune system, in

particular, T-lymphocytes. [2].

The incidence of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis increases

with age. Free radicals promote inflammatory reactions, which

antioxidants have been successful at diminishing.

Scientists recently stimulated the inflammatory response of white

blood cells, resulting in an increase of Intracellular Adhesion

Molecule 1 (ICAM-1), which encourages white blood cells to stick to

other cells, thereby inflaming tissues. Alpha-lipoic acid, a potent

antioxidant, was then added to the mix. Researchers said the acid

reduced the activity of ICAM-1 to levels in normal, un-stimulated

cells in a dose-dependent manner. It also lowered the activity of

NFkB. According to the study, these changes suggest that alpha-lipoic

acid may help reduce the effects of inflammatory diseases such a

rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. [3].

Suggested dosage for Alpha Lipoic Acid is 100-200 mg in divided doses

daily.

SIDE EFFECTS: with alpha lipoic acid are rare but can include:

• Skin rash and the potential of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients.

• People who may be deficient in vitamin B1 (such as alcoholics)

should take vitamin B1 along with alpha lipoic acid supplements.

• Chronic administration of alpha lipoic acid in animals has

interfered with the actions of the vitamin, biotin. Whether this has

significance for humans remains unknown.11A.

Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

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References:

1. Farr SA, Poon HF, Dogrukol-Ak D, Drake J, Banks WA, Eyerman E,

Butterfield DA, Morley JE. "The antioxidants alpha-lipoic acid and N-

acetylcysteine reverse memory impairment and brain oxidative stress

in aged SAMP8 mice." Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center

(GRECC), VA Medical Center (151/JC), 915 N. Grand Boulevard, St.

Louis, MO 63109, USA.

2. Moini H, Packer L, Saris NE. Antioxidant and pro-oxidant

activities of alpha-lipoic acid and dihydrolipoic acid. Toxicol Appl

Pharmacol 2002 Jul 182:84-90

3. -Burillo S, Tan DX, Mayo JC, Sainz RM, Manchester LC, Reiter

RJ. Melatonin, xanthurenic acid, resveratrol, EGCG, vitamin C and

alpha-lipoic acid differentially reduce oxidative DNA damage induced

by Fenton reagents: a study of their individual and synergistic

actions. Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and

Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Valladolid, Valladolid,

Spain. 2001