dexthioctic acid

**Dexthioctic acid** is the R-enantiomer of thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid), a naturally occurring organosulfur compound with potent antioxidant properties. It functions as a cofactor in mitochondrial dehydrogenase complexes, such as pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, facilitating oxidative decarboxylation reactions essential for energy metabolism. The reduced form, dihydrolipoic acid, regenerates other antioxidants like vitamins C and E, scavenges reactive oxygen species, and chelates metals; it is primarily indicated for symptomatic treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy due to its ability to improve nerve blood flow and reduce oxidative stress. Dexthioctic acid exhibits higher bioavailability and potency than the racemic mixture.

Brand names

DexidDexid Tab

Other names

thioctic acidalpha-lipoic acidlipoic acidR-lipoic acid