Alpha-lipoic acid, or lipoic acid, a naturally occurring compound, plays a role in important energy-producing reactions in the body. In one mechanism, lipoic acid facilitates the production of energy by aiding in glucose metabolism. There is evidence that alpha-lipoic acid provides protection against cancer; however, you should not take lipoic acid or any other supplements without first consulting your doctor.
Cancer Metastasis
In in vitro systems, alpha-lipoic acid has displayed an anti-proliferative action and growth inhibition in various cancer cells through apoptosis induction, according to a 2010 study published in the scientific journal "Nutrition Research." However, the molecular mechanisms behind the antineoplastic effect of alpha-lipoic acid are not well understood. Kookmin University researcher H.S. Lee says that alpha-lipoic acid shows anti-cancer effects through inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases, a group of zinc-binding proteolytic enzymes, which play a crucial role in the development and metastatic spread of cancer.
Antioxidant Activity
Lipoic acid exhibits strong antioxidant effects and blocks or suppresses cancerous changes, according to the American Cancer Society. Antioxidants are substances that protect your body from the damaging effects of free radicals, unstable oxygen molecules. Free radicals are formed by normal body processes and attack healthy cells, which changes their DNA and allows for the transformation of these cells into malignant ones.
Radio-Protection
L. Ramachandran and colleagues at Amala Cancer Research Centre in India examined the radioprotective role of alpha-lipoic acid in mice exposed to a lethal dose of gamma radiation. The results of this study, published in the journal, "Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals" in 2010, showed that alpha-lipoic acid protects against radiation-induced cell death and therefore can be described as a radio-protector.
Precautions
Side effects with alpha lipoic acid are rare, although it may cause skin irritation and allergic skin reactions. Controlled studies examining the safety of alpha-lipoic acid in pregnant and breastfeeding women are lacking. Do not use alpha-lipoic acid if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Taking alpha-lipoic acid may lower your blood glucose levels. Therefore, talk to your doctor before using alpha-lipoic acid if you have diabetes or hypoglycemia.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Alpha-Lipoic Acid
- "Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals"; Radioprotection by Alpha-lipoic Acid Palladium Complex Formulation (POLY-MVA) in Mice; Ramachandran L, et al.; 2010
- "Nutrition Research"; Alpha-Lipoic Acid Reduces Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity in MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cells; Lee HS, et al.; 2010
- American Cancer Society; Lipoic Acid; November 2008
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