lithium aspartate

Lithium aspartate is a salt formed by the combination of lithium and the amino acid aspartic acid. Unlike high-dose lithium carbonate traditionally used in psychiatry for bipolar disorder, lithium aspartate is frequently utilized in lower doses (typically 5–45 mg of elemental lithium) for its purported neuroprotective and disease-modifying properties. The drug acts by delivering the lithium ion, which inhibits **glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β)** and **inositol monophosphatase**, leading to a reduction in neuroinflammation and the promotion of neurotrophic factors. Clinical research has focused on its potential to treat neurodegenerative and post-viral conditions, including **Parkinson's disease** and **Long COVID (Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome)**. In Parkinson's disease, it has been observed to modulate biomarkers such as Nurr1 and SOD1 expression and reduce brain free water, a marker of neurodegeneration. While low doses have shown mixed results in Long COVID fatigue, higher tolerated doses are still under investigation.

Other names

lithium L-aspartate