Tocotrienol: A review of its therapeutic potential

Objectives: To summarize new knowledge surrounding the physiological activi ty of tocotrienol, a natural analogue of tocopherol. Results: The biological activity of vitamin E has generally been associated with its well-defined antioxidant property, specifically against lipid per oxidation in biological membranes. In the vitamin E group, a-tocopherol is considered to be the most active form. However, recent research has suggest ed tocotrienol to be a better antioxidant. Moreover, tocotrienol has been s hown to possess novel hypocholesterolemic effects together with an ability to reduce the atherogenic apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein(a) plasma levels . In addition, tocotrienol has been suggested to have an anti-thrombotic an d anti-tumor effect indicating that tocotrienol may serve as an effective a gent in the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular disease and cance r. Conclusion: The physiological activities of tocotrienol suggest ii to be su perior than a-tocopherol in many situations. Hence, the role of tocotrienol in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer may have significan t clinical implications. Additional studies on its mechanism of action, as well as, long-term intervention studies, are needed to clarify its function . From the pharmacological point-of view, the current formulation of vitami n E supplements, which is comprised mainly of alpha-tocopherol, may be ques tionable. Copyright (C) 1999 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists.