Background
- Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is made naturally in the body and may protect against cell damage in a variety of conditions. Food sources rich in alpha lipoic acid include spinach, broccoli, and yeast.
- Alpha lipoic acid, known as the "universal oxidant," has been used for decades in Europe, especially Germany, to treat nerve conditions, including nerve damage resulting from poorly controlled diabetes.
- There is strong evidence that alpha lipoic acid may help treat type II diabetes and neuropathy. According to a survey of 685 herbalists, alpha lipoic acid was one of the 10 most frequently recommended dietary supplements due to its efficacy in reducing high blood sugar levels.
- There is not enough data to support the use of alpha lipoic acid in Amanita poisoning, which has reportedly been a common practice for many years.
- The therapeutic use of alpha lipoic acid is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or corresponding regulatory agencies in other countries.
References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.
- Ametov AS, Barinov A, Dyck PJ, et al. The sensory symptoms of diabetic polyneuropathy are improved with alpha-lipoic acid: the SYDNEY trial. Diabetes Care 2003;Mar, 26(3):770-776.
View Abstract - Bondy SC, Yang YE, Walsh TJ, et al. Dietary modulation of age-related changes in cerebral pro-oxidant status. Neurochem Int 2002;Feb, 40(2):123-130.
View Abstract - Bruckner I, Bustan C, Adamescu E, et al. Diabetic neuropathy--choices of treatment. Rom J Intern Med. 2002;40(1-4):53-60.
View Abstract - Chang JW, Lee EK, Kim TH, et al. Effects of alpha-lipoic acid on the plasma levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine in diabetic end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis: a pilot study. Am J Nephrol. 2007;27(1):70-4.
View Abstract - Chidlow G, Schmidt KG, Wood JP, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid protects the retina against ischemia-reperfusion. Neuropharmacology 2002;Nov, 43(6):1015-1025.
View Abstract - Cho KJ, Moon HE, Moini H, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid inhibits adipocyte differentiation by regulating pro-adipogenic transcription factors via mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. J Biol Chem 2003;Sep 12, 278(37):34823-34833.
View Abstract - Dunschede F, Erbes K, Kircher A, et al. Reduction of ischemia reperfusion injury after liver resection and hepatic inflow occlusion by alpha-lipoic acid in humans. World J Gastroenterol. 2006 Nov 14;12(42):6812-7.
View Abstract - Femiano F, Gombos F, Scully C. Burning mouth syndrome: the efficacy of lipoic acid on subgroups. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2004 Nov;18(6):676-8.
View Abstract - Kamenova P. Improvement of insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus after oral administration of alpha-lipoic acid. Hormones (Athens). 2006 Oct-Dec;5(4):251-8.
View Abstract - Tang J, Wingerchuk DM, Crum BA, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid may improve symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy. Neurologist. 2007 May;13(3):164-7.
View Abstract - Tankova T, Cherninkova S, Koev D. Treatment for diabetic mononeuropathy with alpha-lipoic acid. Int J Clin Pract. 2005 Jun;59(6):645-50.
View Abstract - Thom E. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the clinical efficacy of oral treatment with DermaVite on ageing symptoms of the skin. J Int Med Res. 2005 May-Jun;33(3):267-72.
View Abstract - Ziegler D, Ametov A, Barinov A, et al. Oral treatment with alpha-lipoic acid improves symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy: the SYDNEY 2 trial. Diabetes Care. 2006 Nov;29(11):2365-70.
View Abstract - Ziegler D, Schatz H, Conrad F, et al. Effects of treatment with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid on cardiac autonomic neuropathy in NIDDM patients: a 4-month randomized controlled multicenter trial (DEKAN Study). Deutsche Kardiale Autonome Neuropathie. Diabetes Care 1997;20(3):369-373.
View Abstract - Ziegler D, Hanefeld M, Ruhnau KJ, et al. Treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: a 7-month multicenter randomized controlled trial (ALADIN III Study). ALADIN III Study Group. Alpha-Lipoic Acid in Diabetic Neuropathy. Diabetes Care 1999;22(8):1296-1301.
View Abstract