Alpha Lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful anti-oxidant known commonly as “Universal Anti-oxidant” and is unique in being effective in both lipophillic and hyrophillic systems.
Though no clinical studies were reported of its use in dermatology, some pre clinical research have indicated the following applications :
Sunscreen properties/ Immuno-Cosmetics:
ALA is reported to protect the UV rays induced activation of tumor necrosis factor TNF-α and activator protein (AP-1). TNF and AP-1 are proinflammatory and imune responsive components having cascading effect on inflammatory process. Low concentrations of alpha-lipoic acid were shown to significantly inhibit NF-kappaB activation. Alpha-lipoic acid can efficiently modulate the cellular response to UVR through their selective action on NF-kappaB activation. Free Radic Biol Med 1999 Jan;26(1-2):174-83
Anti-oxidant Properties:
ALA can protect the skin against oxidative stress induced by UV,environment , smoke and fog. Cutaneous absorption of unlabeled alpha-lipoic acid and its reduction to the more potent antioxidant form, dihydrolipoic acid, were also demonstrated, using HPLC analysis with electrochemical detection. In conclusion, alpha-lipoic acid topically applied to skin penetrated readily, and was reduced to dihydrolipoic acid. Thus, alpha-lipoic acid could potentiate skin antioxidant protection.
Long term exposure of skin to UVA rays augments the dermal free radicals and which can trigger the breakdown of collagenase and elastase as well affect the DNA structures of the cells causing photoaging and wrinkle formations.
Thus, ALA can be used in cosmetic products as anti-aging component. Curr Probl Dermatol 2001;29:43-51 Activity of alpha-lipoic acid in the protection against oxidative stress in skin.
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We have identified a group of nutrients that can directly or indirectly protect mitochondria from oxidative damage and improve mitochondrial function and named them ‘‘mitochondrial nutrients’’. The direct protection includes preventing the generation of oxidants, scavenging free radicals or inhibiting oxidant reactivity, and elevating cofactors of defective mitochondrial enzymes with increased Michaelis–Menten constant to stimulate enzyme activity, and also protect enzymes from further oxidation, and the indirect protection includes repairing oxidative damage by enhancing antioxidant defense systems either through activation of phase 2 enzymes or through increase in mitochondrial biogenesis. In this review, we take a-lipoic acid (LA) as an example of mitochondrial nutrients by summarizing the protective effects and possible mechanisms of LA and its derivatives on age-associated cognitive and mitochondrial dysfunction of the brain. LA and its derivatives improve the age-associated decline of memory, improve mitochondrial structure and function, inhibit the age-associated increase of oxidative damage, elevate the levels of antioxidants, and restore the activity of key enzymes
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The Effects and Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Nutrient a-Lipoic Acid on Improving Age-Associated Mitochondrial and Cognitive Dysfunction: An Overview / Neurochem 2008

alpha-Lipoic acid also known as thioctic acid, plays an important role in metabolic processes. It functions as a co-factor for a number of key enzymes that help in the conversion of glucose, fatty acids and other energy sources into ATP. alpha-Lipoic acid is thus important in the life processes of all living organisms. Free radicals are important mediators in the development of various diseases. Antioxidant nutrients help to protect the body against oxidative damage that can trigger the heart disease, cancer, aging and about several other degenerative diseases. a-Lipoic acid is an antioxidant that prevents free-radical damage. This compound if present in excess of the amounts required for basic enzymatic processes, functions as a biological antioxidant, inhibiting free radical reactions in the tissues. In view of the role of a-lipoic acid in energy metabolism, researchers over the last four decades performed detailed studies on the biological activity of this unique compound. These studies focus on how the compound improves the physique, combats free radicals, protects genetic material, slows aging and helps to protect the body against diseases including heart disease and cancer, according to Dr. Richard A. Passwater.
The unique chemical properties of alpha-Lipoic Acid
alpha Lipoic acid has the molecular formula C8H14O2 S2 and molecular weight 206.32
The chemical structure of the alphalipoic acid molecule is responsible for its wide range of actions and its active involvement in metabolic processes, particularly the glycolytic or "energy" cycle.
Biological effects
alphaLipoic acid has been called the "perfect" antioxidant. It is proven to quench hydroxyl radicals, hypochlorous acid and singlet oxygen as well as to chelate metal ions such as iron, copper and cadmium. alphaLipoic acid as DHLA helps to recycle Vitamins C and E in the body and increases the levels of CoQ (ubiquinone) which recycles Vitamin E. By virtue of its high absorption and bioavailability, it rapidly reaches effective concentrations in the tissues, both in the aqueous and lipid regions of the body
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Write_up de 5 pages pour de Alpha Lipoic Acid [SBALPHLIP]

Background alpha lipoic acid (LA) or the reduced form dihydrolipoate (DHLA) is a potent scavenger with anti-inflammatory properties. Previous
uncontrolled studies with topical treatment with 5% LA-containing creams indicate a beneficial effect on photoageing skin.
Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a cream containing 5% LA showed any advantages concerning a number of the criteria associated with ageing of the facial skin, compared with an identical cream lacking LA.
Material and methods Thirty-three women, mean age 54·4 years, were included in this controlled study. After randomization half the face was treated twice daily for 12 weeks with the LA cream and the other half with the control cream. The following methods of assessment were used: self-evaluation by the test subjects, clinical evaluation, photographic evaluation and laser profilometry. Profilometry was performed before the start of treatment and at the end.
Results All four methods of assessment showed a statistically significant improvement on the LA-treated half of the face. Laser profilometry, the most objective method used, showed an average decrease in skin roughness of 50·8% (44·9-54·0) on the LA-treated side, compared with 40·7% (32·4-48·7) on the placebo-treated half of the face P < 0·001 (Wilcoxon matched pairs test).
Conclusions It is indicated that 12 weeks of treatment with a cream containing 5% LA improves clinical characteristics related to photoageing of facial skin.
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Randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind study on the clinical efficacy of a cream containing 5% alpha lipoic acid related to photoageing of facial skin - H. Beitner - British Journal of Dermatology Volume 149 Issue 4 Page 841 - October 2003 doi:10.1046/j. 1365-2133.2003.05597

Abstract : For the antioxidant effect of lipoic acid, reduction to dihydrolipoic acid is considered to be important. Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (LipHD) preferentially reduces R-lipoic acid and in a subsequent reaction, the R-dihydrolipoic acid formed may non-enzymatically reduce S-lipoic acid. Using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, the second order rate constant of the latter reaction was determined (k2 = 15 M-1 sec-1). In vitro, it was found that S-lipoic acid is reduced by LipDH using R-lipoic acid as a catalyst. The non-enzymatic dithiol-disulfide reaction leads to synergistic reduction of the enantiomers which can explain the higher antioxidant activity of racemic lipoic acid found in vivo (Maitra et al. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 221:422-429, 1996) in comparison to the enantiomers. Lipoic acid is therapeutically active in several diseases via antioxidant activity. These findings suggest that racemic lipoic acid can be therapeutically more active than the separate enantiomers.
Keywords lipoic acid; reduction; dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase; antioxidant; enantiomers
R-Isomer compare to S-Isomer / Institue of MBS, Netherlands / Alpha Lipoic Acid, Gerreke Ph. Biewenga, Guido R.M.M. Haenen, Brenda H. Groen, Jeike E. Biewenga, Rienk van Grondelle, Aalt Bast