Linking Mechanisms of Lipoic Acid to Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative Review

Abstract: The effect of lipoic acid supplements on patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been widely studied, yet the evidence remains inconclusive, and more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions. This review aimed to comprehensively assess the impact of α - lipoic acid (ALA) on oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and brain atrophy in MS Methods This Narrative review, conducted in February 2025, examines research from multiple databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and EMBASE. It focuses on studies published in the English language that investigate the effects of ALA supplementation on MS, oxidative stress, inflammation, and brain atrophy. MS is a chronic and often progressive neurological disease that leads to the degradation of myelin, the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers. This MS-related neuronal damage disrupts communication between the brain and body, potentially resulting in severe neurological impairments, including cognitive dysfunction, motor difficulties, and eventually permanent nerve damage. ALA, an antioxidant with multiple biological roles, has been investigated as a promising dietary supplement for MS patients. A total of three studies reported that LA supplementation improved total antioxidant capacity and reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, suggesting that ALA might have therapeutic value in managing MS. However, other studies failed to show consistent or significant results, indicating that further research is needed to validate the therapeutic potential of ALA in MS management. This Narrative review highlights the possible benefits of ALA supplementation but emphasizes the need for more comprehensive studies to explore the underlying mechanisms, consistency of findings, and its effectiveness across diverse populations. Keywords: multiple sclerosis, lipoic acid, inflammation, oxidative stress, brain atrophy, narrative review