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| Alpha lipoic acid is a
powerful anti-oxidant that has diverse to its effects within the cell, due unique
molecular structure. It is an anti-oxidant that is both lipid and water soluble, and thus
has been designated as the universal anti-oxidant. Alpha lipoic acid was first discovered
in 1951 as part of an enzyme complex within the cell which is responsible for energy
production. It was later discovered that alpha lipoic acid also acted as an anti-oxidant.
Because of its lipid and water solubility, lipoic acid can rapidly penetrate all portions
of the cell, providing protection within the lipid cell membrane, as well as the aqueous
compartment, and the nucleus. The implications of this solubility are enormous when we
look at the aging process. Aging has been equated to inflammation, because both processes
are mediated and perpetuated by free radical activity. Any process that causes
inflammation in the cell accelerates the aging process, and prevention of inflammation has
the opposite effect. All anti-oxidants act as anti-inflammatories. However, all
antiinflammatories are not anti-oxidants. Alpha lipoic acid acts as an anti-inflammatory
due to its unique effects within the interior of the cell. It is now known that generation
of free radicals within the cell activates a messenger called nuclear factor kappa-B.
Nuclear factor kappa-B, once activated b y free radicals, then enters the nucleus of the
cell and attaches to the DNA molecule. The DNA molecule then translates this factor into
protein production which when released into the cells cause damage and cell death.Alpha Lipoic Acid CAS# 62-46-4; chemical formula : : C8H14O2S2 structure Principal, chemical name : : 1,2-dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid. ("thioctic acid"). Alpha Lipoic Acid, by blocking the translation factor nuclear factor kappa-B ,is proving to be the most powerful anti-inflammatory and cell-protective anti-oxidant discovered. Lipoic acid is a natural antioxidant which has a high reactivity to specific free radicals including oxygen radicals and ionized metals. Lipoic acid interacts synergistically with other antioxidants, regenerating both vitamins C and E; and therefore, it can buffer periodic deficiencies due to improper diet and/or elevated stress. Lipoic acid increases the tissue levels of glutathione, which is one of the principal endogenous antioxidants that declines with ageing; and it protects mitochondria, which are also associated with ageing. |
| Alpha Lipoic Acid also acts synergistically with other anti-oxidants and affords protection to vitamin E and Vitamin C (see Enzymes encoupled Vitamin C) on a cellular level.This means that lipoic acid can actually boost the natural level of Vitamin C and vitamin E within the cell, giving further protection from free radical damage and aging.(Alpha Lipoic acid is a highly effective antioxidant both on its own and because it recharges other antioxidants.) |
| Alpha Lipoic acid is part of an
enzyme complex within the mitochondria that controls energy production. By supplementing
the cell with lipoic acid, aging cells increase their energy production, allowing them to
more efficiently repair cellular damage and expel cellular waste products. Because of this
action, alpha lipoic acid has been designated the metabolic anti-oxidant. The use of topical alpha lipoic acid has proven to be a powerful therapeutic agent in the treatment of aging skin. |
| Alpha lipoic acid, because of its
fat solubility, rapidly penetrates the skin, and then disperses to all parts of the cell,
including the mitrochondria and the nucleus. Alpha lipoic acid, by preventing activation
of translation factor nuclear factor kapp-B, acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent,
and thus has a soothing effect on irritated skin. Because of the effects on energy
production, the clinical appearance of the skin takes on a healthy glow after 3-4 days of
the use of the 1 percent lotion. Within a few weeks, this diminution of fine lines in the skin has been documented. The anti-oxidant activity has also shown lipoic acid to be effective in prevention of erythema associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Topical application of alpha lipoic lotion to the skin also boosts levels of the anti-oxidants vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione within the skin, giving further protection from inflammatory mediators. |
| Alpha lipoic acid, the
universal and metabolic anti-oxidant, also shows tremendous therapeutic potential when
given systematically. Research studies have shown that diseases (sqeuella from ionizing radiation, diabetic neuropathy, liver toxicity from chemical toxins,Pakinson and Alzheimer) associated with free radical damage would be beneficial with Alpha Lipoic Acid therapeutical application. Alpha Lipoic Acid's use of topical application and
treatment is the new and exciting area which is just being realized. |
