A meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials found that IV administration of 300-600 mg/day α-lipoic acid (ALA) for 2-4 weeks for treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a problem with the nerves that can produce pain, loss of sensation, and an inability to control muscles, was associated with a significant improvement in nerve conduction velocity and neuropathic symptoms. ALA was associated with an average benefit for median motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) of 4.63, median sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) of 3.17, for peroneal MNCV, 4.25, and 3.65 for peroneal SNCV. (23)
Capsaicin and peripheral neuropathy:
In a study by Anand et al, a topical skin patch with 8% capsaicin placed for 1 hour was successful at producing pain relief at the site of peripheral neuropathy for up to 12 weeks. The mechanism of action was proposed to be defunctionalized peripheral nerve function. There was determined to be a low risk of both adverse systemic reaction and drug interactions. (46)