α -lipoic acid appears as pale yellow powder-like crystals and is almost odorless. Alpha-lipoic acid is insoluble in water but soluble in lipid solvents. Some people classify it as a fat-soluble vitamin.  It is readily soluble in methanol, ethanol, chloroform and ether. As a vitamin-based drug, it can stimulate fat metabolism.  It is used for the treatment and therapeutic health care of acute and chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, hepatic coma, fatty liver, diabetes and other diseases.

    In the medical field, alpha-lipoic acid is widely used for the prevention and auxiliary treatment of diabetes and its related complications.  It can enhance sugar metabolism, reduce oxidative stress, alleviate symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, prevent diabetic cataracts, and prevent cardiovascular damage caused by diabetes.