Cited by 31Treatment of Major DepressionBiochemical Acid Research StudiesTryptophan and brain disorders

Alpha lipoic acid: a novel treatment for depression

Salazar, M.R.·2000·Medical Hypotheses

Abstract

Insulin resistance has been associated with people diagnosed with depression. Conversely, it has also been documented that diabetics have an increased risk of depression. Evidence suggests that insulin activity plays a role in serotonergic activity by increasing the influx of tryptophan into the brain. This increased influx of tryptophan has been shown to result in an increase in serotonin synthesis. In accordance with the serotonin theory of depression, it may be possible to treat depression by increasing insulin activity. The antioxidant alpha lipoic acid has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and is used to treat people with diabetes. Therefore, the nutrient alpha lipoic acid should be clinically tested as an adjunct treatment for depression.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1054/mehy.2000.1103

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42 of 42 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • It has been posited that alpha lipoic acid supplementation in major depressive disorder would result in antidepressant effects, possibly via increased insulin sensitization and a consequent increase in monoamine synthesis.

    “It has been posited that ALA supplementation in MDD would result in antidepressant effects, possibly via increased insulin sensitization and a consequent increase in monoamine synthesis [131].”

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Authors
Salazar, M. R.
Affiliations
Amherst College (US)
Corresponding author
Salazar, M.R.
Venue
Medical Hypotheses
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2000-12
Volume
55
Issue
6
Pages
510-512
ISSN
0306-9877 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2045769692
Cited by
31
References
42
Citations by year
2025: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 1 · 2018: 3 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 2 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 2
FWCI
0.65
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Medical Hypotheses (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Treatment of Major Depression
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Biochemistry › Biochemical Acid Research Studies
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Biological Psychiatry › Tryptophan and brain disorders
Keywords
alpha-lipoic acid, depression, insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, serotonin
MeSH terms
Antidepressive Agents, Depression, Humans, Insulin, Insulin Resistance, Thioctic Acid, Serotonin

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