Thioctic acid (synonyms - lipoic or alpha-lipoic acid) is a vitamin-like substance that has pronounced antioxidant properties. It is a light yellow crystalline powder with a bitter taste. Thioctic acid is synthesized in the human body in sufficient quantities only at a young age. After 30-40 years, it is recommended to replenish its stocks, as it is produced in smaller quantities over the years.
Historical background
Thioctic acid was first identified in 1948, when the bacteriologist Irwin Clude Gunsalus, while studying aerobic bacteria, discovered the cessation of their growth. This was due to the absence of a certain component, which was originally called the “pyruvate oxidant factor.”
After that, already in 1951, a group of scientists,led by biochemist Lester Reed, obtained alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) from beef liver. The chemical structure was deciphered only in 1952.
The first use of the drug was mentioned in 1955, and such a statement belongs to Colaruasso and Rausch. It has been observed that acid has a positive effect in the treatment of liver diseases, hepatic coma and greatly alleviates the patient's he alth with certain types of intoxication.
Already in the second half of the twentieth century, scientists synthesized and comprehensively studied thioctic acid and preparations based on it. Since the late 60s, the drug has been widely used for the treatment of patients with cirrhosis of the liver and chronic hepatitis.
Features
This type of hepatoprotector is quite easily absorbed in the intestines due to the presence of bile and is quickly transferred by the blood thanks to substances such as chylomicrons. The substance accumulates mainly in the liver, heart, kidneys. The breakdown products of thioctic acid are excreted by the kidneys or intestines.
The effect of the drug on the human body
According to the instructions for use, thioctic acid has the following positive effects on the body:
- Neurotropic effect - improves axon growth, reduces the negative effect of free radicals on the nervous system, normalizes the flow of glucose to nerve fibers, reduces the risk of nerve damage in case of diabetes.
- Detoxification effect. Positive effect on energy metabolism,lipid and glucose metabolism with the restoration of the Krebs cycle.
- Significantly enhances uptake and clearance of glucose by cells. Accelerates the basic metabolism. Normalizes gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis.
- Inhibits the formation of cholesterol plaques in the vessels.
- Hepatoprotective action - slowing down the accumulation of lipids in the liver, the accumulation of glycogen and improving liver activity, accelerating fermentation activity.
- Cytoprotective effect - stabilization of mitochondrial membranes, pain relief, reduction of inflammatory processes, increase in antioxidant activity.
- Immunotropic effect.
Indications for the use of the substance
According to the instructions, thioctic acid, the price of which is democratic, can be prescribed by doctors both for the purpose of prevention and as an element in the complex treatment of the following diseases:
- acne;
- diabetic and alcoholic polyneuropathy;
- intoxication of various origins;
- atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels;
- various liver diseases, such as chronic hepatitis, Botkin's disease, cirrhosis of the liver.
Pharmacokinetics
Thioctic acid and analogues are rapidly absorbed when taken orally. Literally in 40-60 minutes, the maximum amount of the drug can accumulate in the human body. The bioavailability of the hepatoprotector is 30%. With intravenous administration of 600 mg of thioctic acid, literally within the next 30 minutes,the maximum concentration of the drug in plasma (up to 20 mcg in one ml).
Excreted 80-90% of the drug by the kidneys, and the half-life is from 20 to 60 minutes. By side chain oxidation and conjugation, thioctic acid is metabolized.
Composition and release form
Today, pharmacies offer to purchase a drug in such release forms as:
- concentrated solution for the preparation of medicine for infusion (has a greenish tint and a specific aroma);
- tablets that are film-coated (round, convex, color - from light yellow to yellow-greenish), tablets are placed in a blister and in a carton box.
Contains 1 ml concentrated powder for solution for infusion:
- thioctic acid - up to 30 mg;
- excipients in the form of water for injection, propylene glycol and ethylenediamine.
One tablet of medicine contains:
- thioctic acid;
- microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, povidone-K25, and colloidal silicon dioxide - excipients;
- shell contains titanium dioxide, quinoline yellow, hypromellose, hyprolose, macrogol-4000.
Foods rich in lipoic acid
When there is a lack of thioctic acid in the body or for the purpose of preventionyou can enrich your daily diet with the following foods:
- rice;
- spinach;
- broccoli;
- white cabbage;
- cow's milk;
- beef (especially liver);
- meat offal such as liver, heart, kidneys.
In smaller quantities, the substance is found in greens, yeast, beans, vegetables and fruits.
Contraindications
Doctors do not recommend using thioctic acid if intolerance to the substance has been previously detected or there is an allergic reaction to the active substance. Also, the use of the drug should be limited during pregnancy or lactation. With extreme caution, thioctic acid is administered to children under 18 years of age and to people over 75 years of age. The remedy is contraindicated for those who have lactase deficiency, lactose intolerance and glucose-galactose malabsorption.
The use of thioctic acid should be limited to patients with septic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum. In some cases, a hepatoprotector can be used, but only as prescribed by a doctor.
Side effects
Regular use of thioctic acid can lead to the development of hypoglycemia and allergic reactions such as eczema and hives. With frequent ingestion, dyspeptic symptoms may appear, namely pain in the epigastric region or heartburn.
Whenintravenous administration of thioctic acid, the following conditions may appear as side effects:
- Severe headaches.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Anaphylactic shock.
- Hypocoagulation.
- Convulsions.
- Apnea.
- Diplopia.
- Increased intracranial pressure.
Interaction with other drugs
Before taking thioctic acid, please note that the hepatoprotector can enhance the effect of oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin. It is also possible to reduce the effectiveness of cisplatin.
Important! Thioctic acid is incompatible with Ringer's solution and dextrose solution. It is not recommended to use the drug with compounds that can interact with disulfide and SH groups. Do not drink alcohol together with thioctic acid, which can significantly reduce its beneficial effect on the body.
Terms and conditions of storage
According to the instructions, thioctic acid should be stored in a dry, out of the reach of children and out of the sun, at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees. Store the drug is not recommended in the freezer. The shelf life of the medicine is up to three years from the date of manufacture.
Cost
The price of thioctic acid tablets fluctuates depending on the dosage. Yes, for 30 pcs. at a dosage of 300 mg, you will need to pay 298 rubles. If the dosage is (in mg) 600, the price of thioctic acid will naturally be higher - in the range of 650-700 rubles.
The drug can only be purchased with a doctor's prescription.
Reviews
Physicians from various fields of medicine believe that thioctic acid is a universal neuroprotector and antioxidant. According to experts, the drug is most often prescribed to people who suffer from diabetes and polyneuropathy. Reviews of thioctic acid are mostly positive, since in the process of therapy, many women lost weight. However, there is no official proof of this to date. But many therapists and nutritionists note that thioctic acid still has a positive effect not only on he alth, but also on the appearance of patients (improves the condition of hair, skin, nails).
Analogues
The following drugs are considered similar in pharmacokinetics and composition with thioctic acid:
- Octolipen.
- "Thiogamma".
- Berlition.
- Neurolipon.
Pay attention! Thioctic acid and analogues should only be administered by qualified professionals. Otherwise, during self-treatment, irreversible negative processes may begin in the body, leading to incurable pathologies.
Dosage
Thioctic acid, the price of which is quite affordable, should be used in doses, namely:
- daily requirement for adults according to various sources is 0.5-30 mg;
- children need 13-25 mg per day;
- up to 75mg recommended for breastfeeding and pregnant women.
Intensifying the effect of the drug
To increase the positive effect of taking thioctic acid in the treatment of diabetes, doctors recommend undergoing physiotherapy. Such methods include magnetotherapy, therapeutic exercises, acupuncture, relaxation therapy, transcutaneous nerve stimulation, balneotherapy. The main goal of this treatment option is to provide analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Thanks to physiotherapy, the conduction of impulses along the nerves is significantly improved, as well as the processes of regeneration of nerve tissues are accelerated, and blood circulation in the perineural fibers improves.
Use in cosmetology
According to the reviews of many women who often carry out facial skin care procedures, alpha-lipoic acid can relieve many aesthetic problems, such as age spots, wrinkles and other phenomena that accompany skin aging. The high efficiency of the drug lies in the fact that lipoic acid can dissolve both in a fatty medium and in water. Due to this, the tool is able to enhance the positive effect of vitamins on the skin. In addition, thioctic acid accelerates the metabolism of glucose in the cells of the epidermis, which significantly improves the elasticity of the skin.
And in gastroenterology
The drug acts as a coenzyme in the pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme complex, and also takes an active part in the oxidativedecarboxylation of pyruvic acid. Also, thioctic acid is able to control the process of energy formation in cells, while being an important element in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, cholesterol metabolism. Scope of the drug in gastroenterology: liver diseases; more efficient repair of DNA cells due to oxidative "stress"; reducing the damaging effects of toxic substances; restoration of glutathione reserves; prevention of mitochondrial damage.
According to research results and reviews, thioctic acid has a tremendous healing effect. During therapy, it becomes possible to control the moment of DNA release in the cell, due to which it is possible to significantly extend the life of cells.
A powerful lipophilic antioxidant - thioctic acid - is an integral part of the cells of the human body that release energy aerobically. The drug is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment and prevention of many diseases.
