Enhancing the stability and bioavailability of alpha-lipoic acid: Development and evaluation of a li

Citation: Poulami Gupta Banerjee, Atanuka Paul, Argha Chakraborty, Subrata Kundu. Enhancing the stability and bioavailability of alpha-lipoic acid: Development and evaluation of a liposomal formulation by West Bengal Chemical Industries Ltd. Int J Pharm Sci Drug Anal 2025;5(1):39-48. https://www.pharmacyjournal.info/archives/2025.v5.i1.A.106

Abstract: Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA), a naturally occurring antioxidant, is widely recognized for its ability to reduce oxidative damage, regenerate endogenous antioxidants, and serve as a free radical scavenger. Despite its numerous nutraceutical and therapeutic potentials, the clinical application of ALA remains limited due to its poor solubility, chemical instability, and low bioavailability. To overcome these challenges, West Bengal Chemical Industries Ltd. (WBCIL) developed a liposomal ALA formulation designed to enhance the stability, solubility, and therapeutic efficacy of ALA. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties, encapsulation efficiency, and bioavailability of WBCIL's liposomal ALA. The liposomal formulation produced uniform liposomes with a mean particle size of ~227 nm, as confirmed by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and viewed under a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The encapsulation efficiency of liposomal ALA was found to be within the range of 86% (± 3%) as confirmed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis, demonstrating its superior encapsulation efficiency while Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysed the thermal stability of the encapsulated ALA. The results highlight the importance of liposomal ALA and WBCIL’s technological advancement to develop a delivery system for enhancing the stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of ALA. This novel formulation addresses critical challenges associated with traditional ALA administration, paving the way for more effective applications in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical contexts. Further clinical validation is warranted to confirm its potential for human health benefits.