Therapeutic Potential of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in Viral Infections, including COVID-19

Abstract

Oxidative stress (OS), resulting from a disrupted balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protective antioxidants, is thought to play an important pathogenetic role in several diseases, including viral infections. Alpha-lipoic acid (LA) is one of the most-studied and used natural compounds, as it is endowed with a well-defined antioxidant and immunomodulatory profile. Owing to these properties, LA has been tested in several chronic immunoinflammatory conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy and metabolic syndrome. In addition, a pharmacological antiviral profile of LA is emerging, that has attracted attention on the possible use of this compound for the cotreatment of several viral infections. Here, we will review the emerging literature on the potential use of LA in viral infections, including COVID-19.

The Potential Protective Effect of Curcumin and α-Lipoic Acid on N-(4-Hydroxyphenyl) Acetamide-induced Hepatotoxicity Through Downregulation of α-SMA and Collagen III Expression

“…A recent study revealed the modulatory action of Lip acid on the course of infection through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. 17 …”

Thioctamer: a novel thioctic acid–glatiramer acetate nanoconjugate expedites wound healing in diabetic rats

“…Thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid, TA) is an oil and water soluble organo-sulfur metabolite that possesses two thiol groups ( Figure 1(B) ). It has been biosynthesized by animals, plants, and humans (Dragomanova et al., 2021 ). Additionally, it existed in supplements and foods and displayed diverse bio-activities such as antioxidant, immuno-modulatory, anti-cancer, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and neuroprotective activities (Shay et al., 2009 ; Salehi et al., 2019 ; Anthony et al., 2021 ; Dragomanova et al., 2021 ).…”

“…It has been biosynthesized by animals, plants, and humans (Dragomanova et al., 2021 ). Additionally, it existed in supplements and foods and displayed diverse bio-activities such as antioxidant, immuno-modulatory, anti-cancer, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and neuroprotective activities (Shay et al., 2009 ; Salehi et al., 2019 ; Anthony et al., 2021 ; Dragomanova et al., 2021 ). It improves utilization of glucose and boosts production of insulin, hence ameliorating hyperglycemia-induced oxidative damage (Salehi et al., 2019 ; Anthony et al., 2021 ; Dragomanova et al., 2021 ).…”

“…Additionally, it existed in supplements and foods and displayed diverse bio-activities such as antioxidant, immuno-modulatory, anti-cancer, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and neuroprotective activities (Shay et al., 2009 ; Salehi et al., 2019 ; Anthony et al., 2021 ; Dragomanova et al., 2021 ). It improves utilization of glucose and boosts production of insulin, hence ameliorating hyperglycemia-induced oxidative damage (Salehi et al., 2019 ; Anthony et al., 2021 ; Dragomanova et al., 2021 ). Besides, it has been found to reduce and improve the diabetes-related disorders such as retinopathy and neuropathy, as well as autonomic neuropathy associated with diabetes (Gomes & Negrato, 2014 ; Dragomanova et al., 2021 ).…”

“…It improves utilization of glucose and boosts production of insulin, hence ameliorating hyperglycemia-induced oxidative damage (Salehi et al., 2019 ; Anthony et al., 2021 ; Dragomanova et al., 2021 ). Besides, it has been found to reduce and improve the diabetes-related disorders such as retinopathy and neuropathy, as well as autonomic neuropathy associated with diabetes (Gomes & Negrato, 2014 ; Dragomanova et al., 2021 ).…”