Increasing bioavailability of (R)-alpha-lipoic acid to boost antioxidant activity in the treatment of neuropathic pain

Increasing bioavailability of (R)-alpha-lipoic acid to boost antioxidant activity in the treatment of neuropathic pain

Authors

  • Emilia Maglione Centro Polidiagnostico "Benedetto Croce" – Giugliano (NA)
  • Cinzia Marrese Functional Recovery and Re-education Outpatient Service, Rome A Local Health Authority, District 4, Rome
  • Elisa Migliaro Diabetology Service, District 28, Central Naples Local Health Authority 1
  • Fortuna Marcuccio Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine – Ospedale CTO, Ospedale dei Colli, Naples
  • Claudia Panico Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine – Ospedale CTO, Ospedale dei Colli, Naples
  • Carmine Salvati Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine – Ospedale CTO, Ospedale dei Colli, Naples
  • Giuseppe Citro Diabetology & Endocrinology Unit, Poliambulatorio Madre Teresa di Calcutta, Potenza Provincial Health Authority;
  • Marco Quercio Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ospedale SS Trinità – Fossano (Cuneo)
  • Federico Roncagliolo Joint orthopaedics, Ospedali Galliera - Genoa
  • Carlo Torello General practitioner, Asti Local Health Authority
  • Mario Brufani “A. Rossi Fanelli” Department of Biochemical Sciences – Università degli Studi “La Sapienza”, Rome

Keywords:

(R)-α-lipoic acid, antioxidant, liquid formulation, bioavailability, neuropathic pain, neuropathic pain scale.

Abstract

a-lipoic acid (a-LA) is a potent natural antioxidant because it has a broad spectrum of action towards a great many free radical species and boosts the endogenous antioxidant systems.

Although it is a multi-functional molecule, its pharmacokinetic characteristics pose restrictions to its use in the treatment of oxidative stress-dependent illnesses. Formulations that increase the bioavailability of a-LA have a better potential efficacy as adjuvants for the treatment of these conditions.

This objective was achieved with a liquid formulation for oral use containing only R-aLA, the natural enantiomeric and most active form of a-lipoic acid.

For the first time, the effects of this formulation were evaluated on neuropathic pain, a symptom caused by an increase in oxidative stress, regardless of the underlying cause. Neuropathic patients who have used this dietary supplement noticed an improvement in their quality of life and a significant reduction was observed in a number of certain descriptive pain parameters (intensity, burning, unpleasantness, superficial pain).

Undoubtedly further, more in-depth, studies need to be conducted; however, this first investigation confirms the role of R-aLA as an anti-oxidant for the aetiological treatment of peripheral neuropathy. Increasing its plasma bioavailability even after a non-invasive administration through the oral route is a good starting point for proposing a valid adjuvant for the treatment of pain symptoms.

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Published

14-12-2015

Issue

Section

Therapeutical perspectives

How to Cite

1.
Increasing bioavailability of (R)-alpha-lipoic acid to boost antioxidant activity in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Acta Biomed [Internet]. 2015 Dec. 14 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];86(3):226-33. Available from: https://www.mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/actabiomedica/article/view/5041