Alpha Lipoic Acid (LA), a nutritional component found in vegetables and meat, has both antioxidant and oxidant properties. LA exerts therapeutic potential to many diseases like liver cirrhosis, heavy metal poisoning, and diabetic polyneuropathy. LA exerts apoptotic potential in cancer cells either by oxidative
stress related pathway or by activation of caspases. LA improves mitochondrial function and plays a key role in mitochondrial energy metabolism.
Alpha-lipoic acid seems to help prevent certain kinds of cell damage in the body, and also restores vitamin levels such as vitamin E and vitamin C. There is also evidence that alpha-lipoic acid can improve the function and conduction of neurons in diabetes. It is used in the body to break down carbohydrates and to make energy for the other organs in the body.
It seems to work as an antioxidant, which means that it might provide protection to the brain under conditions of damage or injury. The antioxidant effects might also be helpful in certain liver diseases.
It is a vitamin-like chemical called an antioxidant. Yeast, liver, kidney, spinach, broccoli, and potatoes are good sources of it. It is also made in the laboratory for use as medicine.