Tocopherols and tocotrienols which are collectively known as tocochromanols, belongs to the group of vitamin E compounds.
Tocotrienols occupy a special place due to their unique chemical structure and properties.
Tocotrienols are a group of four amphipathic molecules (alpha, beta, gamma, delta) that differ in the number and position of the methyl groups in the polar head.
Human studies indicate that they are good antioxidant. These include inhibition of lipid peroxidation decrease in DNA damage, reduction in protein oxidation besides ability to scavenge various biologically relevant free radicals.
Research shows that naturally occurring tocotrienols and natural delta-tocopherol are effective at inducing cell death in human breast cancer cells.
A study on animals found that tocotrienols even increased the benefits of drugs, such as tamoxifen, which fight breast cancer.
Tocotrienols also have beneficial effects on cardiovascular system. It is protecting the blood vessels going to the brain and maintaining proper circulation.
Tocotrienols can help protect against heart disease by preventing excess blood clotting, protect against inflammation, lower cholesterol and reduce atherosclerosis.
They have antidiabetic and neuroprotective properties apart from possible antiaging effects.
Tocotrienols appear to be necessary for formal bone growth and calcification. Therefore, without a source of tocotrienols in the diet, human bones become week.
Therapeutic value of tocotrienols
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