thioctic acid

[ thahy-ok-tik ]

noun

1. Biochemistry. an organic acid, C 8 H 14 O 2 S 2 , that occurs as a coenzyme in hydrogen transfer reactions in certain plants, microorganisms, and animals and functions as a growth factor for many species of bacteria and protozoa.
2. Pharmacology. a preparation of thioctic acid used to treat liver disease and poisoning from amanita mushrooms.

Word History and Origins

Origin of thioctic acid¹

thi- + oct- + -ic