Alpha-lipoic acid (1,2-dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid)
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Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is made naturally in the body and may protect against cellThe basic unit of all living organisms. damage in a variety of conditions. There is strong evidence that alpha lipoic acid may help treat type 2 diabetes and nerveBundle of fibres that carries information in the form of electrical impulses. damage. 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.
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These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
Grade* |
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Diabetes |
A |
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Nerve pain or damage |
A |
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Alcoholic liverA large abdominal organ that has many important roles including the production of bile and clotting factors, detoxification, and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. disease |
C |
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Cognitive function (HIV) |
C |
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Glaucoma |
C |
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Kidney disease |
C |
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Pain (burning mouth syndrome) |
C |
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Pancreatic cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. |
C |
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Postoperative tissue injury prevention (after liverA large abdominal organ that has many important roles including the production of bile and clotting factors, detoxification, and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. surgery) |
C |
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Radiation injuries |
C |
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Skin aging |
C |
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Wound healing (in patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy) |
C |
*Key to grades:
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work);
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).
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Avoid if allergic to alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). Use cautiously with diabetes and thyroid diseases. Avoid with thiamine deficiency or alcoholism. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Bleeding, breathing problems, bruising, changes in bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. sugar, changes in thyroid hormones, dizziness, itching, liverA large abdominal organ that has many important roles including the production of bile and clotting factors, detoxification, and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. weakness, nausea, numbness, skin rash, vomiting.
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Adriamycin, antibioticsMedication to treat infections caused by microbes (organisms that can't be seen with the naked eye), such as bacteria., anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid.-sugar altering medications (i.e. insulinA hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas that acts to lower blood glucose levels.), cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. treatments, diabetes medications, doxorubicin, drugs broken down by the liverA large abdominal organ that has many important roles including the production of bile and clotting factors, detoxification, and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats., drugs that help widen bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. vessels (vasodilators), osteoporosis medications, thyroid medications, tranquilizers, vitamin C, weight loss medications, or herbs and supplements with similar effects.
Children (younger than 18 years):
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Not enough scientific data available.
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Copyright © 2012 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com) Commercial distribution prohibited. This flashcard is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.
While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The above monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.