Lipoic acid /CAS:62-46-4

 Usage

Alpha-lipoic acid is a substance whose antioxidant capacity surpasses Vitamins A, C and E. It can eliminate free radicals that accelerate aging and trigger diseases. Meanwhile, alpha-lipoic acid exerts a wide range of beneficial effects on the human body. As a rate-limiting essential nutrient required for cells to generate energy from carbohydrates and other energy substrates, it also serves as a potent antioxidant and heavy metal chelating agent. The human body can synthesize an  appropriate amount of alpha-lipoic acid, yet endogenous synthesis fails to meet demands under stress or illness. Similar to many vital substances in the organism, alpha-lipoic acid levels decline with advancing age. Among numerous antioxidants, alpha-lipoic acid features unique versatility. Being both water-soluble and fat-soluble, it protects all body tissues and interstitial spaces. It neutralizes various free radicals including oxide anions, hydroxide ions, singlet oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, it chelates (binds and neutralizes) metal ions such as iron, copper, cadmium, lead and mercury that otherwise catalyze free radical formation. Another key function of alpha-lipoic acid is blood glucose reduction. Owing to its combined properties of antioxidation, metal chelation and hypoglycemic activity, alpha-lipoic acid prevents hyperglycemia and cross-link formation. Hyperglycemia and cross-linking are major contributors to aging and closely associated with wrinkle development.

B Vitamins Alpha-lipoic acid belongs to a group of compounds within B vitamins. Acting as a growth factor for yeast and certain microorganisms, it functions as a coenzyme in multi-enzyme systems and mediates transacylation during the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate into acetate and α-ketoglutarate into succinate. Chemical Name: 5-(1,2-dithiolan-3-yl)pentanoic acid Appearance: Pale yellow crystals Molecular Weight: 206.33 DL-form: Melting point 60–61°C L-form (natural): Melting point 45–47.5°C; Optical rotation [α]ᴅ²³ +113° D-form (natural): Melting point 46–48°C; Optical rotation [α]ᴅ²³ +104° Solubility: Soluble in organic solvents, sparingly soluble in water. Applications: Prevention and treatment of acute hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, hepatic coma, fatty liver and other disorders. Natural Sources: Liver, kidney and heart tissues. Synthetic Route: Ethylene reacts with adipic acid monoester acyl chloride via condensation catalyzed by aluminium trichloride to generate chloropropionyl valerate. The intermediate undergoes condensation with sulfuric acid, reduction with sodium borohydride, hydrolysis with caustic soda, followed by reaction with thiourea to obtain the finished product. 6,8-Dithiooctanoic acid (Dihydrolipoic acid). Soluble in water, often coexisting with Vitamin B1. It exists in two interconvertible forms: oxidized form and reduced form (6,8-dimercaptooctanoic acid). In living organisms, the transfer and acceptance of hydrogen or acyl groups rely on the transformation between these two forms. It works as the coenzyme for α-ketoacid oxidative decarboxylase and transhydroxyethylase, responsible for transporting acyl groups and hydrogen in metabolic reactions. Humans can synthesize it endogenously, so deficiency symptoms have not been observed. Nevertheless, it is indispensable for the growth and development of certain microorganisms and protozoans. It is abundant in liver and yeast.

Efficacy & Functions Also known as α-lipoic acid (referring specifically to its naturally occurring form in nature), lipoic acid was first isolated from porcine liver by Reed in 1951. Classified as a vitamin-like disulfide compound, it is generally categorized as a B-group vitamin. Inside organisms, alpha-lipoic acid acts as a critical coenzyme and an essential cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and aminoadipate dehydrogenase, making it an irreplaceable substance in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The human body can synthesize sufficient alpha-lipoic acid, and no clinical cases of lipoic acid deficiency have been reported. Research reveals that exogenous supplementation of alpha-lipoic acid inhibits lipid peroxidation in nerve tissue, blocks protein glycation, suppresses aldose reductase, and hinders the conversion of glucose or galactose into sorbitol. In Europe, it is used as a pharmaceutical agent for treating diabetic neuropathy and other neurological complications. Beyond its coenzyme activity, alpha-lipoic acid possesses powerful antioxidant properties. It scavenges free radicals that accelerate senescence and disease onset, delivering multiple benefits including antioxidation, anti-aging, immunity enhancement, cardiovascular disease prevention and alleviation of diabetic symptoms. Amid the booming market of antioxidant food products, alpha-lipoic acid is transitioning from traditional pharmaceutical applications to food-grade usage. In view of its strong health-promoting properties, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reclassified alpha-lipoic acid from pharmaceuticals to food ingredients in June 2004. Furthermore, the United States, Canada and other regions recognize alpha-lipoic acid as a dietary supplement.

Antioxidation Mechanism of Alpha-Lipoic Acid Alpha-lipoic acid exhibits outstanding antioxidant capacity. Its free radical scavenging activity is approximately 400 times stronger than Vitamin C and Vitamin E. It eliminates reactive oxygen species that cause skin aging. Its molecular weight is smaller than Vitamin E; combined with dual solubility in water and lipids, it achieves excellent skin absorption. Alpha-lipoic acid effectively resists long-term oxidative damage and repairs severe cellular oxidative injury which Vitamin C and Vitamin E cannot remedy. Studies demonstrate that alpha-lipoic acid can be converted into dihydrolipoic acid inside the human body. Both substances exert potent antioxidant effects and function synergistically. Meanwhile, the molecular weight of alpha-lipoic acid falls between ascorbic acid and tocopherol. Thanks to amphipathic properties (both water-soluble and fat-soluble), it delivers comprehensive systemic antioxidation and earns the title of "universal antioxidant". The antioxidant efficacy of alpha-lipoic acid is mainly reflected in three aspects: 1. Direct free radical scavenging: After entering cells, alpha-lipoic acid directly eliminates hydroxyl radicals, singlet oxygen and other free radicals. 2. Inhibition of metal-induced oxidation: Alpha-lipoic acid chelates metal ions, thereby mitigating metal-triggered peroxidation of macromolecules such as lipids. 3. Regeneration of other antioxidants: Alpha-lipoic acid restores the activity of endogenous antioxidants including Vitamin E and glutathione in the body, improving overall antioxidant defense.

Supports Anti-Glycation Anti-glycation is a popular modern health concept. It aims to reduce cellular damage induced by advanced glycation end products (AGEs), generated via non-enzymatic reactions between reducing sugars and proteins. The most typical benefit is reduced destruction of skin collagen. Compared with other proteins, collagen has a slower turnover rate and is more susceptible to glycation reactions, leading to dull skin tone and reduced elasticity. Antioxidants serve as the core ingredients in anti-glycation formulations to counteract glycation-related skin damage. Alpha-lipoic acid offers dual protection for anti-glycation: stabilizing blood glucose and preventing binding between sugar molecules and collagen. Therefore, it represents a key development direction for anti-glycation cosmetic products. In addition, alpha-lipoic acid activates Vitamin C, compensating for Vitamin C depletion caused by ultraviolet exposure and strengthening the skin’s resistance against external irritants.

Liver Protection Alpha-lipoic acid functions as a chelator for many heavy metals. Working synergistically with dihydrolipoic acid, it chelates metal ions including cadmium, nickel, copper, lead and ferric iron, lowering hepatic toxicity induced by heavy metals. For this reason, it was previously used as an antidote for food poisoning and heavy metal intoxication. Moreover, the synergistic effect between alpha-lipoic acid and other endogenous antioxidants alleviates hepatocyte damage caused by free radicals, reduces inflammatory responses and maintains normal liver function. Research indicates alpha-lipoic acid removes fat accumulation caused by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and relieves hepatic burden.

Applications 1. As a B-group vitamin, alpha-lipoic acid inhibits protein glycation and suppresses aldose reductase to block the conversion of glucose or galactose into sorbitol. Accordingly, it is primarily used to treat and relieve peripheral neuropathy caused by advanced diabetes. 2. Alpha-lipoic acid is an ultra-potent antioxidant. It preserves and regenerates other antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E, stabilizes blood glucose concentrations, effectively boosts the immune system against free radical attack, participates in energy metabolism, enhances free radical elimination by other antioxidants, restores insulin sensitivity, improves muscle gain and fat loss capacity, activates cells and delivers anti-aging cosmetic benefits. 3. Alpha-lipoic acid enhances hepatic function, accelerates energy metabolism, promotes rapid conversion of ingested food into energy, relieves fatigue and reduces physical exhaustion.

Packaging and Shipping

25KG/Drum or as customer requirements.
Belongs to common goods and can deliver by ocean and air

Keep and storage

Shelf life:24 month from date of manufacture in original unopened packaging stored in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight, water.
Ventilated warehouse, Low temperature drying, Separated from oxidants, acids.