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R-Lipoic Plus Topical Cream - 2 oz
R-Lipoic Acid Plus Cream R-Lipoic Acid Plus Transdermal Cream contains a combination of four antioxidant substances — R-lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine, silymarin, and selenomethionine) — that can help a) protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, b) increase the levels of other antioxidants, notably glutathione, within the body, and c) provide potential therapeutic benefits in a number of disease conditions, acute as well as chronic. Two of these substances, R-lipoic acid and silymarin, have direct antioxidant properties; selenomethionine is a critical component of an important enzyme (glutathione peroxidase) with antioxidant properties; and N-acetylcysteine serves both as an antioxidant and in the synthesis of the antioxidant substance glutathione. R-Lipoic acid, the biologically active form of this substance (also known as alpha-lipoic acid or thioctic acid), is a sulfur-containing organic acid. Being required for normal physiological function, R-lipoic acid acts as a cofactor in numerous metabolic reactions. However, it is probably best known as an antioxidant. R-lipoic acid is commonly present in foods such as meat (especially organs such as the kidney, heart and liver), and in vegetables such as potatoes, broccoli and spinach. It is also commonly available as a nutritional supplement. Silymarin is a natural product extracted from the seeds of the Blessed Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum). The antioxidant properties of silymarin are related to this substance’s flavonoid-based chemical structure. It has been reported that silymarin’s bioavailability can be enhanced by lecithin, another ingredient in this topical product. Selenomethionine is a plant-derived amino acid that serves as a source of selenium. In trace amounts, selenium, a nonmetal somewhat related to sulfur, is an essential component of certain important enzymes, notably, glutathione peroxidase. This enzyme’s primary function is to protect cells from oxidative damage by detoxifying peroxide-containing free radicals. N-acetylcysteine is a derivative of the essential amino acid, L-cysteine. Biologically, it is involved in the synthesis of the antioxidant glutathione. However, N-acetylcysteine possesses antioxidant properties in and of itself because of the sulfur present in its structure. Free radicals include what are referred to as reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide, peroxides and hydroxyl radicals, as well as certain chemical substances that do not contain oxygen, and ultraviolet and other forms of radiation. It is generally acknowledged that potentially destructive free radicals are a major factor in a variety of diseases, including but not limited to atherosclerosis, diabetes, liver damage, neurotoxicity/neurodegeneration, skin damage/aging and cancer via damage to cells and tissues. The term “oxidative stress” is used to refer to an individual’s increased sensitivity to, or decreased protection from, damage caused by chemical free radicals or UV radiation. Such damage can be prevented or alleviated by antioxidants, both those produced within the body and by nutritional supplementation with substances such as the ones contained in this product. Although it would appear at first glance that this combination of antioxidant substances might be somewhat redundant, the differences in both chemical structure and biological function suggest that the components of this mixture are complementary. For example, one study indicated that a combination of lipoic acid, silymarin and selenium could be useful in the treatment of hepatitis C, with clinical improvements observed in three patients who were scheduled for liver transplants prior to treatment (B. M. Berkson, Medizinische Klinik [Munich], volume 94 supplement 3, pages 84-89, 1999). A more recent Phase I clinical trial of antioxidant combinations for the treatment of hepatitis C virus-induced liver toxicity confirmed the Berkson observations, with 26 of 45 patients showing beneficial responses (A. Melhem et al., Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology 39:737-742, 2005). Antioxidant combinations may also be useful in the alleviation of liver toxicity caused by excessive alcohol consumption (alcoholic liver disease). A review of the scientific literature shows that all of these four substances have been employed in topical preparations for a variety of therapeutic applications: a) Treatment of diabetic neuropathy and other peripheral neuropathies (R-lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine). b) Decreased skin photoaging (R-lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine). c) Protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced skin damage and UV-induced immunosuppression (N-acetylcysteine, selenomethionine, silymarin). d) Treatment of ichthyosis, a type of skin disease (N-acetylcysteine). e) Modulation of skin inflammation/irritation and/or production of proinflammatory cytokines (N-acetylcysteine, silymarin). f) Decreased contact hypersensitivity reactions (n-acetylcysteine), and protection against skin cancer (selenomethionine, silymarin). Other notable uses of these substances (though not specifically via topical application) found in the scientific literature are as follows: a) R-Lipoic Acid - increased cellular glucose uptake (hence possible antidiabetic utility); neuroprotection, memory enhancement, and treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. b) Silymarin – cancer prevention and treatment; prevention and treatment of various acute and chronic liver diseases; decreased insulin resistance (potential antidiabetic applicability). c) Selenomethionine – cancer prevention. d) N-Acetylcysteine – prevention and treatment of contrast-induced nephropathy, a form of kidney damage induced by diagnostic radioimaging agents; cancer prevention; treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Interestingly, there are no specific reports in the mainstream scientific literature regarding the use of R-lipoic acid, silymarin, selenomethionine or N-acetylcysteine in autistic patients. Given the proposed role of oxidative stress in autism (as noted by S. Jill James and colleagues in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, volume 80, pages 1611-1617, 2004, and by Woody R. McGinnis in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, volume 10, pages 22-36, 2004), the use of the above-named substances may provide benefit to autistic individuals. Furthermore, James and colleagues have reported decreased glutathione levels in autistic individuals. Thus, while requiring further research, it can be speculated that, based on the combined antioxidant and glutathione-increasing properties of the ingredients of R-Lipoic Plus Transdermal Cream, this product may have value in treating autistic patients. Moreover, because R-Lipoic Plus Transdermal Cream is applied to the skin rather than being given by mouth, it bypasses the common issue of getting autistic children to ingest substances such as these. R-Lipoic Acid Plus Transdermal Cream contains a patented liposomal delivery system to permit absorption through the skin within seconds. It has been reported to be most effective when applied on the upper right-hand side of the abdomen, just below the ribs (where the liver is located), or on the back of the legs below the knee. The suggested usage is one-quarter teaspoon per day or as directed by your healthcare professional. Ingredients: Deionized Water, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Shea Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Phospholipids, Silybum Marianum Extract, Lecithin, Potassium R-Lipoate (R-Lipoic Acid), Potassium Bicarbonate, Glycerin, Acetyl-L-Cysteine, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Potassium Sorbate, Xanthan Gum, Selenomethionine. 2 ounces For external use only. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or disorder. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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