What are tocotrienols?
Main sources of tocotrienols
The main sources of tocotrienol are: rice bran, palm and annatto. Annatto is the only natural source with 100% tocotrienols and with greater antioxidant power (gamma and delta-tocotrienol).
The antioxidant capacity of tocotrienol is effective in combating the harmful effects of radiation and protecting the skin, as well as improving the immune system by inducing the synthesis of an anti-inflammatory steroid.
The antioxidant, mevalonate pathway suppressor and gene modulator activities show benefits of tocotrienol for bone health, providing an increase in osteoblasts, preventing the degeneration of bone mineral density and microarchitecture.
Clinical studies have shown that after two months of supplementation with annatto tocotrienol, at a dosage of 75 mg/day, total cholesterol levels decreased by 13% and LDL (“bad” cholesterol) by up to 15%, while HDL (“good” cholesterol) increased by up to 7%. This is due to the properties of tocotrienols in inhibiting HMG-CoA Reductase in the liver, which leads to the regulation of cholesterol production.
Tocotrienols inhibit the adhesion of monocyte endothelial cells and platelet aggregation, preventing the narrowing of artery walls and the formation of clots. The gamma and delta-tocotrienol isoforms inhibited 60 and 30 times, respectively, more potently than alpha-tocopherol.
Tocotrienols have the ability to suppress melanoma (skin cancer) and promote wound healing caused by methicillin-resistant bacteria (MRSA). They also minimize hyperpigmentation, repair skin damage, and protect against light exposure, with a sun protection factor of 5.5.
Vitamin E is essential for the healthy functioning of the body due to its antioxidant action and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to strengthen the immune system, skin and hair, in addition to preventing certain diseases, such as atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s. This vitamin can be obtained through food, and is found mainly in vegetables, such as oilseeds, whole grains, vegetable oils and some seeds, especially annatto seeds.
Application suggestions
Observations
Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that the absorption and bioavailability of tocotrienols is greater when they are administered immediately after meals, mainly due to the lipophilic nature of these compounds.
E-book
Tocotrienol
Understand all the characteristics and differences of annatto tocotrienol. Check out its applications and health benefits.