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MSM

Health News Archive 569 - Metabolic Syndrome
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Alpha-Lipoic Acid Protects Against Metabolic Syndrome

A recent published review of the medical literature by researchers at University of California, Irvine, has concluded that alpha-lipoic acid can help alleviate the symptoms associated with metabolic syndrome.

In animal experiments, alpha-lipoic acid, a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger, has been shown to cause weight loss, ameliorate insulin resistance and high lipid levels and to lower blood pressure—all components of metabolic syndrome, the researchers asserted in a March 2007 article.

Recent investigations on its mechanisms of action indicate that alpha-lipoic acid can trigger a series of beneficial effects in cardiac tissue and aorta smooth muscle.

The researchers concluded, “To a large extent, these findings can explain the observed beneficial metabolic effects of alpha-lipoic acid, supporting its potential application as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of the metabolic syndrome.”

Source: Pershadsingh HA. Alpha-lipoic acid: physiologic mechanisms and indications for the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2007 Mar;16(3):291-302.

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