Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha lipoic acid
For the health condition: Neuralgia and Neuritis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is supported by moderate scientific evidence for its use in the treatment of certain types of neuralgia and neuritis, particularly diabetic neuropathy. Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that intravenous and, to a lesser extent, oral ALA can reduce neuropathic symptoms such as pain, burning, paresthesia, and numbness in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The proposed mechanisms include its antioxidant properties, improvement of microcirculation, reduction of oxidative stress, and potential regeneration of other endogenous antioxidants. The most robust data comes from studies using 600 mg intravenous ALA daily for 2-3 weeks, with some evidence supporting continued benefit with oral supplementation (typically 600 mg/day). In addition to diabetic neuropathy, there is limited but suggestive evidence that ALA may be beneficial in other forms of neuralgia or neuritis, such as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, though more research is needed in non-diabetic populations. ALA is generally well tolerated, with gastrointestinal upset being the most common side effect. Professional guidelines in some countries (e.g., Germany) include ALA as a treatment option for diabetic neuropathy. However, regulatory agencies such as the FDA have not approved ALA specifically for neuropathic pain. Overall, while ALA is not universally standard of care, its use in neuralgia—especially diabetic neuropathy—is grounded in a significant body of clinical research rather than just tradition.
More about alpha lipoic acid
More about Neuralgia and Neuritis
Other ingredients used for Neuralgia and Neuritis
Acetyl L-carnitinebeta caryophyllene
turmeric
ginger
gotu kola
lion's mane
omega-3 fatty acids
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin E
cardamom
anise
lingzhi
Wintergreen
arnica
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Aconite
asafoetida
Agmatine
Anemone
alpha-lipoic acid
Actaea spicata
atractylone
betony
blue flag
Black Hellebore
cocarboxylase
Cnidium
cannabidiol
Corydalis
dodeca-2E, 4E-dienoic acid isobutylamide
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
fang-feng
frankincense
Gelsemium
hericium mushroom
Indian pipe
orchid
Osthole
paeoniflorin
poppy
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Tumerone
Tetrahydropalmatine
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