Tocotrienols

Related Terms

6-Hydroxy-2-methyl-2-phytylchroman, 6-O-carboxypropyl-alpha-tocotrienol (T3E), A-84, A HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, alpha-T3, alpha-T3 H, alpha-tocopherol, alpha-tocopheryl, alpha-tocotrienol, alpha-tocotrienol alpha-plus gamma-complex tocotrienol, beta tocotrienol, beta-tocotrienol, carboxychromanols, carotenoids, delta tocotrienol, delta-tocotrienol, eta-tocopherols, farnesylated benzopyran, gamma tocotrienol, gamma-carotenes, gamma-oryzanol, gamma-tocopheryl, gamma-tocotrienol, gamma-tocotrienyl 2-phenylselenyl succinates, herpigon, high gamma-complex tocotrienol isoprenoid, P25-complex, palm oil, palm olein, palmolein, PalmVitee? tocotrienol, phytonutrients, phytosterols, RBO, TCT, tocochromanols, tocopherols, tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF), tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF25), tocotrienols, tocotrienols (PalmVitee?), tocotrienyl acetate supplements, TRF, TRF25, triterpene alcohols, vismione B, vitamin E, vitamin E acetate, vitamin E succinate, vitamin E tocotrienol (TCT), xanthones, zeta.

Background

Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble nutrient that belongs to the family of tocotrienols and tocopherols. Tocotrienols are found in high concentrations in cereal grains (e.g., oat, barley, rye, and rice bran). The highest level found in crude palm oil. Commercial tocotrienols are primarily obtained from natural sources, such as palm or rice bran oil.
The best food sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils (sunflower and olive), nuts, seeds, and fortified cereals. Tocotrienol supplements are available in capsule and tablet form.
Among vitamin E compounds, tocotrienols are best known for their antioxidant, heart-protective, and anticancer effects. Tocotrienols may also have cholesterol-lowering effects. Research suggests that it is common for cancer patients to combine vitamin E (mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols) and chemotherapy.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Tocotrienols have been studied for their antioxidant properties. However, few clinical trials have been conducted. Based on limited research, PalmVitee?, a tocotrienol- and tocopherol-enriched fraction of palm oil, demonstrated antioxidant properties in patients with cerebrovascular disease. Additional high-quality clinical studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

 C


Tocotrienols have been studied for their antioxidant properties. However, few clinical trials have been conducted. Based on limited research, PalmVitee?, a tocotrienol- and tocopherol-enriched fraction of palm oil, demonstrated antioxidant properties in patients with cerebrovascular disease. Additional high-quality clinical studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

 C


Familial dysautonomia (FD) is an inherited, fatal neurodegenerative disorder with symptoms of severe increases in blood pressure and cardiac instability. Patients with this condition make insufficient amounts of at least two proteins. Ingestion of tocotrienols can raise the levels of these proteins in these patients. Additional high-quality clinical studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

 C


Familial dysautonomia (FD) is an inherited, fatal neurodegenerative disorder with symptoms of severe increases in blood pressure and cardiac instability. Patients with this condition make insufficient amounts of at least two proteins. Ingestion of tocotrienols can raise the levels of these proteins in these patients. Additional high-quality clinical studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

 C


According to limited research, intake of tocotrienols may result in a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. Additional high-quality clinical studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

 C


According to limited research, intake of tocotrienols may result in a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. Additional high-quality clinical studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

 C


There is mixed clinical evidence on the role of tocotrienols in reducing cholesterol levels. Additional high-quality clinical studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

 C


There is mixed clinical evidence on the role of tocotrienols in reducing cholesterol levels. Additional high-quality clinical studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
For high cholesterol, 200-250 milligrams of alpha-, gamma-, or delta-tocotrienyl acetate supplements has been taken by mouth daily for 4-8 weeks. The tocotrienol-enriched fraction of palm oil (200 milligrams of PalmVitee? capsules) has been taken by mouth daily. Three milligrams per kilogram of body weight of a tocotrienol-enriched fraction has been taken by mouth for 60 days.
For scars, an unspecified dose of ointment has been applied twice daily for four weeks.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Tocotrienols may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Tocotrienols may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Tocotrienols may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased or decreased in the blood and may cause increased or decreased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert, and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Tocotrienols may also interact with agents that affect the immune system, anticancer agents, cholesterol-lowering agents, gastrointestinal agents, nerve protection agents, statins, or weight loss agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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