NameR-(+)-alpha-Lipoic acid Synonym (R)-(+)-1,2-Dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid CAS1200-22-2 NameR-(+)-alpha-Lipoic acid Synonym (R)-(…

NameR-(+)-alpha-Lipoic acidSynonym (R)-(+)-1,2-Dithiolane-3-pentanoic acidCAS1200-22-2 NameR-(+)-alpha-Lipoic acid Synonym (R)-(+)-1,2-Dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid CAS1200-22-2Molecular Formula C8H14O2S2 Molecular Weight 206.33 Melting Point 46-49 oC Effects Alpha Lipoic Acid (also known as lipoic acid, thioctic acid, or ALA) is one of the good fatty acids produced in every one of our cells. One of its main functions is to help convert glucose (blood sugar) into energy. About forty years ago, biologists discovered that ALA is also an antioxidant--a powerful substance that combats potentially harmful chemicals called free radicals which may cause heart and liver disease, cancer, cell aging, and many other conditions.There are other very effective antioxidants, including vitamins C and E. But what's special about ALA is that it is both water and fat soluble. Scientists believe that ALA operates in conjunction with vitamins C and E, and the antioxidant glutathione, recycling them when they're used up. Many studies have been conducted confirming the health benefits of alpha-lipoic acid, including recent findings that ALA offers neuroprotective and possibly cognitive enhancing effects.