Alpha-Lipoic Acid

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A naturally occurring micronutrient, synthesized in small amounts by plants and animals (including humans), with antioxidant and potential chemopreventive activities. Alpha-lipoic acid acts as a free radical scavenger and assists in repairing oxidative damage and regenerates endogenous antioxidants, including vitamins C and E and glutathione. This agent also promotes glutathione synthesis. In addition, alpha-lipoic acid exerts metal chelating capacities and functions as a cofactor in various mitochondrial enzyme complexes involved in the decarboxylation of alpha-keto acids.

**Synonyms:** - 5-(1,2-Dithiolan-3-yl)pentanoic Acid - 6,8-Thioctic Acid - ALPHA LIPOIC ACID - Lipoic Acid - Thioctate - Thioctic Acid - Thioctic Acid - alpha-lipoic acid