Vitamin E comprised of 2 subgroups namely the Tocotrienols and Tocopherols. Tocopherols are present in common vegetable oils such as soya and corn while tocotrienols are common in cereal grains such as rye (92mg/kg), oat (210mg/kg), rice bran (465mg/kg) and barley (910mg/kg). Tocotrienols are also in abundance in palm oil (940mg/kg). Palm oil also has the highest content of Vitamin E among oils and fats. Several studies have shown shown that tocotrienols possess unique biological properties including higher antioxidant potency and provides greater health benefits than the α-tocopherol form of vitamin E.
During the recently concluded Palm International Nutra-Cosmeceutical Conference (PINC 2017), speakers highlighted recent breakthroughs in palm tocotrienols research and the current clinical practices of using palm tocotrienols for disease management. Some of the highlights are;
1. Tocotrienols for Hair Health
2. Tocotrienols for Neuro Health
3. Tocotrienols for Heart Health
4. Tocotrienols for Peptic Ulcer Therapy
5. Tocotrienols for Bone Health
6. Tocotrienols for Muscle Health
7. Tocotrienols for Prostate Health
8. Tocotrienols for Liver Health
9. Tocotrienols for Skin Health
10. Tocotrienols for Immune Health
Many animal and human studies show that tocotrienols are useful against inflammation – associated diseases. Besides its function related to its antioxidant properties, tocotrienols also exhibits other biological properties including neuroprotective, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and cholesterol lowering effects. The potential of tocotrienols is vast and beneficial in many aspects; thus it could ideally be used as a first line therapy and clinical purposes.
References:
1. Bryce Wylde, Consumer Perception And Pick-up: Where We Are At And Where We Should Be. Paper presented at the Palm International Nutra-Cosmeceutical Conference (PINC 2017), 31st July – 1st August 2017, Le Meridien, Putrajaya.
2. Dr. Sharmili Vidyadaran, Tocotrienols and their effects on microglia: implications for brain inflammatory conditions. Paper presented at the Palm International Nutra-Cosmeceutical Conference (PINC 2017), 31st July – 1st August 2017, Le Meridien, Putrajaya.
3. Prof. Dr. Ima Nirwana Soelaiman, Effect of individual tocotrienol isomers on bone cells in a 3D cell culture system. Paper presented at the Palm International Nutra-Cosmeceutical Conference (PINC 2017), 31st July – 1st August 2017, Le Meridien, Putrajaya.
4. Dr. Nur Azlina Mohd. Fahami, Palm Vitamin E: A Potential Therapy for Peptic Ulcer Disease. Paper presented at the Palm International Nutra-Cosmeceutical Conference (PINC 2017), 31st July – 1st August 2017, Le Meridien, Putrajaya.
5. Prof. Dr. Suzana Makpol, Tocotrienool Promotes Myogenic Differentiation in the Prevention of Replicative Senescence of Myoblasts. Paper presented at the Palm International Nutra-Cosmeceutical Conference (PINC 2017), 31st July – 1st August 2017, Le Meridien, Putrajaya.
6. Dr. Patrick Ling , Dissecting the Mechanism Responsible for the Anti-Cancer Stem Cell Properties of Gamma-Tocotrienol. Paper presented at the Palm International Nutra-Cosmeceutical Conference (PINC 2017), 31st July – 1st August 2017, Le Meridien, Putrajaya.