Tocotrienols are natural versions of vitamin E with a 3-fold unsaturated side chain. This makes them much clearer and more mobile and leads to a 40 to 60 times stronger en antioxidant effect on cell membranes.[1][2]
Vitamin E is active as an antioxidant for protecting the cell membranes, lipids and DNA from peroxidation (by “free radicals”, ROS). Tocotrienols fulfill the vitamin E function tens of times better (but are not very long-lasting).
The tocochromanols also control important signaling pathways in the cells. For example:
The transcription factor NF-κB is redox sensitive, it is activated by oxidative stress (ROS) and accordingly by tocotrienol-vitamin Edisabled.[3]
NF-κB (N-F-kappa-B) is present in all cells of the body. If it becomes active, it causes the activation numerous target genes, the the cell all in a kind "Emergency mode". Due to the strong antioxidant effect of the tocotrienols, NF-kB effects can take place on the following Target genes can be prevented or reduced:
- COX-2, iNOS causes the formation of inflammatory prostaglandins (e.g. PGE2). These cause the well-known signs of inflammation - swelling - redness - erythema and increased pain. All NSAID painkillers (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen) are based on the (later) inhibition of these enzymes. As a result of the inflammation, white blood cells are attracted (pus), which in turn release ROS, which further enhance the inflammation.
The anti-inflammatory effect of the tocotrienols is explained by preventing the COX and iNOS production.[4] - Anti-apoptosis factors(e.g. Survivin) prevents the cell from undergoing apoptosis. This prevents the effect of the specific immune system (through T-killer cells) and on the other hand the self-control of the cells against genetic changes (through the tumour suppressor protein p53). The cancer cells prevent self-control through these anti-apoptosis factors by activating NF-kB.
The strong anti-cancer effect of tocotrienolsn (so far found in cell cultures, animal mares and initial studies with humans) is explained by the influence on NF-kB.[5] - Switching the cells to Lactic acid fermentation instead of oxygen respiration - is caused by NF-kB and is a hallmark of cancer cells. This makes you more independent of the oxygen supply. The "TKTL1" test detects the effect of NFkB.
- Interleukin-6 plays an important role in chronic inflammation (rheumatism, Crohn's disease, pancreatitis).
- Cytokines/chemokines, growth factors and their modulators play a central role in inflammation and cancer diseases.
The anti-angiogenesis effect of the tocotrienols (important against tumour development) can be explained in this way. - The effect of NF-kB on different pathogens (infections) is quite different. Some "wait" for NF-kB to be activated (like HIV). Anthees (tuberculosis) require constant inflammation to be kept at bay. NF-kB is important to cause inflammation to occur and stop the spread of pathogens. On the other hand, it inhibits the function of the specific immune system (immunity). In this context, tocotrienols could not only enhance the immune effect, but also dampen the primary defense reactions.
Advantage of the NF-kB inhibition by tocotrienols
Tocotrienols inhibit NF-kB by influencing ROS. This means that the reaction to new dangerous stimuli (e.g. bacterial antigens) continues.
On the other hand, NF-kB is also activated by other substances, for example Cytokines(e.g.TNF-α and IL-1β) and bacterial and viral Antigens. Fortunately, a “legitimate” inflammatory stimulus (e.g. from an acute infection) is not muted by tocotrienols. One of the main advantages of tocotrienol is that it does not generally have an anti-inflammatory effect, but rather the enhanced inflammation, which is self-maintained by ROS, is slowed down.
Further tocotrienol functions
Vitamin E in general and in particular the tocotrienols support the Integrity of the cell membranes. This also includes the receptors for hormones it contains. This improves the effect of hormones and messenger substances.
That explains the positive effect indiabetes[6] and on insulin-levels and the positive effect in bone growth[7].
The Pubmed references "[]" are usually just an example of a series of similar studies.