1-Tocotrienols Acts Against Bad Cholesterol (LDL)
Three commonly sited risk factors may be modified with supplements of tocotrienols, a recently researched form of Vitamin E.(1)
- Elevated Cholesterol
- Oxidized LDL Cholesterol
- Abnormal Platelet Aggregation
Elevated Cholesterol, specifically LDL, is a clearly defined risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL cholesterol is implicated as the primary culprit. The tocotrienols have demonstrated significant cholesterol-lowering effects in both animals and humans. In clinical trials, approximately 75% of patients with high cholesterol levels respond to the lowering effects of tocotrienols. (1,4), and the most dramatic reduction is seen when these supplements are combined with dietary changes (high fiber, low fat diet), and an active life style.
Tocotrienols vs. Cholesterol Drugs :
HMG-CoA reductase is the rate-limiting enzyme involved in cholesterol production, It exerts its action at the corresponding receptor site. Tocotrienols appear to increase the natural rate of HMG-CoA reductase degradation, which in turn decreases cholesterol production. No adverse side effects have been associated with this form of Vitamin E. (1,4)
2-Tocotrienols Unsaturated Side Chain Provides higher Anti-oxidant Activity than Tocopherols.
Vitamin E as d-alpha-tocopherol, the form commonly found in supplements, protects LDL from oxidation.
In a study of over 1,000 people, vitamin E reduced the risk of nonfatal heart attack by 77%. This protective effect is attributed primarily to its antioxidant properties.(6)
Non-esterified vitamin E has higher antioxidant activity than esterified forms (tocopheryl acetate, succinate, etc.) There are eight different forms of vitamin E. The four tocopherols (alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol) share a saturated phytyl side chain. The four analogous tocotrienols have a triple-unsaturated side chain. The unsaturated bonds on the side chain give the tocotrienols greater antioxidant activity and a different biologic action. When those bonds become saturated, the molecule becomes a tocopherol. Reports from laboratory studies indicate a 40-60 times higher antioxidant activity against lipid peroxidation(I,7) with d-alpha-tocotrienol than with d-alpha-tocopherol and 6.5 times more protection of cytochrome P-450 against oxidative damage.(l) Cytochrome P-450 is present in most tissues and serves as an oxygenating catalyst in a variety of reactions. Lipid peroxides in blood vessels and plasma show a positive correlation with blood pressure. The antioxidant activity of tocotrienols (particularly gamma tocotrienol) may prevent development of high blood pressure by reducing lipid peroxides and enhancing the total antioxidant status, including superoxide dismutase activity.(7)
Alpha-tocopherol is most often used in supplements and is the standard for measurement of vitamin E. Tocopherols are the dominant form of vitamin E in corn (86%) and wheat germ (72% ).(1) 1 Palm oil (Tocomin@) contains the highest concentration of natural tocotrienols.(7)
3-Natural Anti-Thrombin Properties
Abnormal coagulation and platelet aggregation are also an important factor in development of atherosclerosis. When platelets clump together they release compounds that cause migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells into the innermost layer of the artery (2) Aspirin has been recommended to atherosclerosis patients because of its ability to inhibit production of thromboxane A2, a potent factor in coagulation and clot formation. However, aspirin is associated with a number of negative side effects including gastrointestinal bleeding and has not been shown to positively influence other risk factors for atherosclerosis.
Both tocopherols and tocotrienols, as well as other natural substances such as sesame seed oil, inhibit platelet aggregation without the negative side effects associated with aspirin. Tocotrienols have been shown to decrease atherosclerosis by 15% to 30%.
Multiple studies report a significant relationship between tocotrienols and cancer. In laboratory studies, tocotrienols significantly inhibited the growth of cancer in cultures. Although they have not been shown to cure or kill cancer cells, they may halt or slow the progression of cancer. (l,3,7)
References
1. Wilkinson R, Tocotrienols and the Modification of Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors, Yakim, WA.
2. Murray M, Pizzomo J, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1991.
3. Wilkinson R, "Recently-Available Tocotrienol Form of Vitamin Ew, Nutrition & Healing, January 1998.
4. Qureshi A, Qureshi N, "Tocotrienols: Novel Hypocholesterolemic Agents with Antioxidant Properties", In: Vitamin E in Health and Disease; 247-67, Marcel Dekker: New York, 1993.
5. Tomeo A, Geller M, et at, "Antioxidant effects of tocotrienols in patients with hyperlipidemia and carotid stenosis", Lipids, 30:1179-83,1995.
6. Stephens N, Parsons A, Schofield P, Kelly F, Cheeseman K, Mitchinson M, "Randomized controlled trial of vitamin E in patients with coronary disease: Cambridge Heart Antioxidant Study (CHAOS)", Lancet, 347(9004):781-786, 1996.
7. Kamen 8, "New Millennium Vitamin E", Alt Med, July 2000.
WARNING: This publication and the product contained herein have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product relates to nutritional support only.
