Orbelli

Complete Ingredient Profile

Ingredient Name & Common Synonyms

Primary Name: Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Common Synonyms: ALA, Thioctic Acid, 1,2-Dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid, Lipoic Acid, Universal Antioxidant
Chemical Classification: Organosulfur compound, Fatty acid, Antioxidant cofactor
Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₄O₂S₂

Overview

Botanical Family: Synthesized endogenously in mitochondria; found in various plant and animal sources
Primary Origin: Red meat, organ meats, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, rice bran
Extraction Method: Chemical synthesis or fermentation using bacterial cultures, purified through crystallization
Molecular Structure: Eight-carbon fatty acid with a disulfide bond, exists in R(+) and S(-) enantiomers
Appearance: Yellow crystalline powder with characteristic sulfur odor

Benefits & Uses

For Women's Hormonal Health:

PCOS Management: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who were given alpha-lipoic acid daily for 12 weeks had improvements in insulin sensitivity and liver enzymes
Insulin Sensitivity: When treating PCOS patients with ALA, insulin sensitivity was improved, and IR was decreased with no changes in the reproductive hormones
Comprehensive PCOS Support: ALA is a valid therapeutic strategy applicable in the treatment of PCOS patients. Its multiple actions, including antinflammatory, antioxidant, and insulin-sensitizing, may be of utmost importance
Synergistic Benefits: The combination of MYO plus ALA creates enhanced therapeutic effects

Primary Health Benefits:

Universal Antioxidant: Unlike other antioxidants, ALA is both water and fat-soluble, allowing it to work throughout the body
Metabolic Support: A small group of women with PCOS showed significant improvements in insulin, glucose, and BMI after 12 weeks of supplementing with alpha lipoic acid (400 mg daily)
Enhanced Insulin Sensitivity: ALA has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which is a significant concern for women with PCOS
Liver Health: Supports liver function and may reduce the risk of fatty liver disease

Mechanism of Action:

Mitochondrial Function: Essential cofactor for energy production in cellular mitochondria
Antioxidant Regeneration: Regenerates other antioxidants, including vitamins C, E, and glutathione
Glucose Metabolism: Enhances glucose uptake and insulin signaling pathways
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammatory markers and oxidative stress

Safety & Warnings

General Safety Profile:

Alpha-lipoic acid is generally safe with little to no side effects

Dosage Safety:

Clinical Safety: A meta-analysis of extracted data suggested that supplementation with ALA was not associated with an increased risk of any treatment-emergent adverse event
Orbelli Dosage: 150mg per serving - well within safe therapeutic range
Clinical Range: Studies typically use 300-600mg daily for PCOS benefits
Long-term Safety: The chronic use (4 years) of a food supplement containing alpha lipoic acid is well tolerated

Potential Side Effects:

Common Mild Effects: The most common adverse effects reported with ALA are headache, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting
Generally Mild: In some instances, people may experience mild symptoms, such as nausea, rashes, or itching
Low Incidence: Side effects from ALA supplements are generally mild and include rashes, headache, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting

Important Warnings:

Blood Sugar: May lower blood glucose - monitor if diabetic or taking diabetes medications
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Insufficient safety data - consult healthcare provider
May cause mild throat irritation in some individuals - this is normal and typically resolves quickly
Thyroid Function: May affect thyroid hormone levels - monitor if taking thyroid medications

Recommended Patch-Test Instructions:

Not applicable for oral supplements. For topical applications containing alpha-lipoic acid, perform a 48-hour patch test on the inner forearm.

Formulation Tips

Physical Properties:

pH Range: 4.0-6.0 (slightly acidic in aqueous solution)
Solubility: Poorly water-soluble, soluble in alcohol and lipids
Stability: Light-sensitive, heat-sensitive, oxidizes readily in air
Melting Point: 60-62°C

Optimal Dosing:

Therapeutic Range: 300-600mg daily for metabolic benefits in PCOS
Orbelli Formula: 150mg per serving (optimal maintenance dose for antioxidant support)
Bioavailability: Better absorbed on an empty stomach, variable absorption rates
Timing: Best taken 30-60 minutes before meals for optimal absorption

Pairing Suggestions:

Synergistic with: Myo-inositol (in your formula), Coenzyme Q10, B-vitamins, vitamin E
Compatible with: Amino acids, other antioxidants, insulin sensitizers
Enhanced by: Taking with fat-soluble vitamins for improved absorption
Best taken: On an empty stomach for maximum bioavailability