Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha lipoic acid
For the health condition: Liver Detoxification
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring antioxidant that has garnered attention for its potential role in supporting liver detoxification. While there is some scientific rationale for its use, the strength of evidence is moderate and primarily based on preclinical studies, small clinical trials, and its established use as an antidote in certain cases of poisoning (such as mushroom poisoning with Amanita phalloides). ALA functions as both a direct free radical scavenger and a cofactor in mitochondrial energy metabolism. It can regenerate other antioxidants like glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E, which are important in hepatic detoxification processes.
Studies in animal models have shown that ALA can protect liver cells from oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and improve markers of liver injury in chemically-induced liver damage. Human data are more limited. Some small clinical trials have suggested that ALA supplementation may improve liver enzyme levels in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and may be beneficial in diabetic patients with liver dysfunction.
However, large-scale, high-quality human clinical trials are lacking, and ALA is not universally accepted as a primary treatment for liver detoxification in mainstream medicine. Its use is sometimes incorporated into integrative or complementary medicine protocols, often along with other antioxidants and lifestyle modifications. Overall, while there is a scientific basis for the use of ALA in supporting liver detoxification, more robust evidence is needed for definitive recommendations.
More about alpha lipoic acid
More about Liver Detoxification
Other ingredients used for Liver Detoxification
alfalfaaloe vera
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
green chiretta
anthocyanins
apple
apricot
arjun tree
artichoke
asparagus
astragalus
barberry
barley
beet
myrobalan
berberine
beta caryophyllene
betel
black cumin
black garlic
radish
Indian frankincense
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
catalase
caterpillar mushroom
chaga mushroom
chicory
Chinese salvia root
chlorella
chokeberry
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
cordyceps
cucumber
turmeric
curcumin
cuspidatum root
d-glucarate
dandelion
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
gardenia
gentian root
ginger
gooseberry
green tea
hibiscus
Indian gum arabic tree
indole-3-carbinol
honeysuckle
knotweed
jujube
kale
kudzu
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-methionine
l-ornithine
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
lophatherum leaf
lovage
milk thistle
moringa
naringin
nettle
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
oleanolic acid
orange
perilla
phosphatidylcholine
phospholipids
pollen
pumpkin
quercetin
redcurrant
reishi mushroom
rhubarb root
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
selenium
silymarin
spirulina
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin E
seaweed
wasabia japonica
watercress
watermelon
wheat grass
whey protein
mulberry
zinc
sarsaparilla
cascara sagrada
typhonium
neem tree
enicostemma littorale
clerodendrum indicum
smilax
tinospora cordifolia
fumaria parviflora
picrorhiza kurroa
rubia cordifolia
swertia
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
goldenrod
bile salt
morus
myrrh
root tuber
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
lotus seed
birch
couch grass
sheep's sorrel
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
coix
polyporus
gentiana macrophylla
cleavers
noni
biota seed
goji berry
algae
ashitaba
soursop
Arjuna
akebia
Ankaflavin
Anthraquinone
Ardisia
Agrimony
Apigenin
Antrodia camphorata
Achyranthes
Anamu
Albizia
AHCC
Aucubin
Andrographolide
Avocado
Albumin
American Liverleaf
Appleblossom Cassia
Asam gelugor
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Astragaloside
Andrographis
Adzuki bean
Alsonia scholaris
Agrimonia pilosa
Allyl Sulfide
Alisma
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arjunolic acid
Astragalin
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blue Flag
Borotutu
Blackthorn
bergenin
Blepharis
Balsam
Brassica
Belleric myrobalan
Beef liver
Barleria
Berberis (unspecified)
Baicalein
Bael
Butternut
Basidiomycota
boldo
Black Gram
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Black Nightshade
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Black root
Bifidobacteria
BCAA
Bupleurum
benzyl isothiocyanate
Bassia scoparia
Bergenia
Bignay
Bottle gourd
Centaury
Chinese Silkvine
cholic acid
Carqueja
Chebulic acid
Coriolus mushroom
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Centaurium erythraea
Cyathula
Chinese Fleeceflower
Cynarin
Chinese Pond Turtle
Cruciferous
Centella asiatica
Capers
Chanca Piedra
Celandine
Cinnamic Acid
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Copalchi
Corktree
C-Phycocyanin
Cabbage
Chirata
Calamus
Chebulinic acid
Corilagin
Coumaric acid
Cynaropicrin
Cynodon dactylon
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Diallyl sulfide
Dihydromyricetin
DL-Methionine
Deoxyandrographolides
Dithiolthiones
Desmodium
Duckweed
Ellagic Acid
Erodium cicutarium
Emblicanin
Endive
Embelia
Ellagitannin
Emodin
Flavonones
Glycine
Little ironweed
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rhubarb
walnut
Other health conditions supported by alpha lipoic acid
Aging (prevention)Alzheimer's Disease
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Autoimmune Disorders
Body Building
Burning Feet or Hands
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cataracts
Chemical Poisoning
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Free Radical Damage
Glaucoma
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Hypertension
Inflammation
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Multiple Sclerosis
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Numbness
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Strokes
Triglycerides (high)
Wounds and Sores
Products containing alpha lipoic acid
Vitabase
ALA/ALC 750mg
Thorne
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Pure Encapsulations
Alpha Lipoic Acid 100 mg
Pure Encapsulations
Alpha Lipoic Acid 100 mg
Douglas Laboratories
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Pure Encapsulations
Alpha Lipoic Acid 200 mg
Pure Encapsulations
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Pure Encapsulations
Alpha Lipoic Acid 400 mg
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Alpha Lipoic Acid 400 mg
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Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg
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Amino-NR
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Athletic Nutrients
Douglas Laboratories
Berberine Balance
Designs For Health
Berberine Synergy™
Vitabase
Blood Sugar Formula
Designs For Health
Detox Antiox™
Designs For Health
Detoxification Support Packets
Thorne
Diabenil
Pure Encapsulations
DIM Detox
Pure Encapsulations
GlucoFunction
Pure Encapsulations
GlucoFunction
Pure Encapsulations
Glucose Support Formula
Pure Encapsulations
Glucose Support Formula
Integrative Therapeutics
Glycemic Manager
Pure Encapsulations
HM Complex
Pure Encapsulations
HM Complex
Douglas Laboratories
Juvenon Pro Cognitive
Integrative Therapeutics
K-PAX MitoNutrients
Klean Athlete
Klean Antioxidant ™
Klean Athlete
Klean Focus®
Thorne
L-Arginine Plus Perfusia Plus
Designs For Health
Lipoic Acid Supreme
Pure Encapsulations
Liver G.I. Detox
Pure Encapsulations
LVR Formula
Pure Encapsulations
LVR Formula
Metagenics
Meta Lipoate® 300 mg
Designs For Health
Metabolic Synergy™
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Metabolic Synergy™
Metagenics
MetaGlycemX™
Metagenics
MetaGlycemX
Designs For Health
Metal-X-Synergy™
Pure Encapsulations
Mitochondria-ATP
Designs For Health
Mitochondrial NRG™
Pure Encapsulations
NeuroMood Pure Pack
Designs For Health
NeuroRenew™
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O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
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O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
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O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
Designs For Health
OcuForce™
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Polyphenol Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations
Polyphenol Nutrients
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PureGenomics® UltraMultivitamin
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R-Lipoic Acid Stabilized
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RevitalAge™ Nerve
Pure Encapsulations
RevitalAge™ Ultra
Designs For Health
Sensitol™
Designs For Health
Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid Supreme
Vitabase
Super Antioxidant Formula
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Ultra B-Complex with PQQ
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Ultra Benfotiamine
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Ultra Preventive
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Ultra Preventive
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Ultra Preventive ®-EZ Swallow
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Ultra Preventive One Daily
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Ultra Preventive® X
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UltraNutrient®
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UltraNutrient®
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UltraNutrient®
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Wellness Essentials Healthy Balance Daily Packs
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Women's Nutrients
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Women's Nutrients