Merck, T1395-5G, (±)-α-Lipoic acid

α-Lipoic acid (LA), a nutritional component found in vegetables and meat, has both antioxidant and oxidant properties. LA exerts therapeutic potential to many diseases like liver cirrhosis, heavy metal poisoning, and diabetic polyneuropathy. LA exerts apoptotic potential in cancer cells either by oxidative stress related pathway or by activation of caspases. LA improves mitochondrial function and plays a key role in mitochondrial energy metabolism.