Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-Lipoic Acid, also known as lipoic acid, is a highly potent antioxidant that counteracts reactive free radicals in the mitochondria, the power plants of cells where energy for all cellular activities is generated. Some scientists believe that mitochondrial free radicals play an important role in human aging, and have theorized that extra amounts of free-radical inhibiting compounds such as alpha lipoic acid may be able to slow aging. Alpha-Lipoic Acid is also effective in recycling other antioxidants such as Vitamin E back into their original form after they detoxify free radicals. There also is evidence that alpha lipoic acid can reduce glycation damage due to excess glucose in the blood, which may be involved in aging, and that it can improve patients with diabetes, which has been described as an accelerated form of aging.

Anti oxidant activity of Alpha Lipoic Acid, an anti aging element

Alpha lipoic acid has been recognized as a broad spectrum anti-oxidant for its ability:

- to act both in cell membranes including nuclear membrane and interior of the cell
- to regenerate main other antioxidants from their inactive or radical forms including vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione. Since it recharges oxidized vitamins C and E which are exogenous antioxidants, Alpha Lipoic Acid counterbalance these vitamins during chronic and transientdeficiency
- to neutralize free radicals through different mechanisms in different organs (it also passes blood brain barrier)
- to increase the level of glutathione (one of the major endogenous antioxidants made within the cells) in the cell.

Level of glutathione decreases in all immune compromised conditions and during stress. Thus it compensate for transient depletions of glutathione during stress to counteract the deteriorative effects of chronic hyperglycemia by increasing glucose utilization. Elevated glucose level triggers free radical reactions to control the AGE products. AGEs, or advanced glycosylated products may result in dysfunction of normal proteins and decreased turnover and tissue remodeling

Metabolic activity of Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha Lipoic Acid also serves as a cofactor for a number of vital enzymes responsible for the conversion of glucose, fatty acids and other energy sources into chemical energy (ATP). Small amount of Alpha Lipoic Acid are bound chemically (coenzyme) at the active site of enzyme complexes, Alpha Lipoic Acid works by becoming reduced and facilitates biological reactions from which energy is harnessed.

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