ɑ-lipoic acid is highly efficient to treat the painful symptoms of diabetic polyneuropathy.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted to examine the efficiency of ɑ-lipoic acid (ALA) to treat various types of pain.

Out of 1152 articles, 16 articles were selected in the review. Evaluation of 9 studies with diabetic polyneuropathy and 7 studies with other painful conditions was done. Low risk of bias was exhibited by most studies. The meta-analysis was carried out only with the studies of diabetic polyneuropathy.

ALA demonstrated efficacy to mitigate the pain symptoms of burning mouth syndrome, headache and carpal tunnel syndrome. In comparison with placebo, the ALA therapy lowered the total symptom score (TSS). According to the subgroup meta-analysis, a decrease in numbness, burning, paraesthesia and stabbing pain was reported in ALA-treated patients when compared to placebo. Both routes of administration (oral and intravenous) exhibited efficiency to decrease the TSS.

Diabetic polyneuropathy people treated with ɑ-lipoic acid presented a decrease in pain symptoms. Hence, ALA can be used to alleviate the pain symptoms elicited by diabetic polyneuropathy.