During thermal burns the skin cells are destroyed, whereby a cascade of consequential damage from the combustion products occurs. A large part of the tissue damage caused by burn injuries occurs through the resulting ROS (free radicals) in an oxidative chain reaction with a strong increase in NF-kB.
To date, there are a number of individual case reports according to which ointments or oils that are heavily enriched with tocotrienol-vitamin E have been used
- a good and quick healing the burn and
- a quick release of the severe pain associated with the burn.
This is a relatively large burn up to several centimeters in diameter, the lighter grades 1 and 2 (blister formation).
To date, however, there are no clinical studies that suggest the usefulness of tocotrienolsn in burns.
Now shows a study from 2012, the increased amounts of vitamin E (here: alpha-tocotrienol) could reduce burn damage by “at least 50%”. ("We show, for example, that if the production rate of vitamin E is increased, post burn, by five tines the natural production in a healthy tissue, then this would slow down the lipid peroxide propagation by at least 50%").
This is consistent with two studies from 2002 and 2003 describe the role of NF-kB and free radicals in burns and suggest the use of antioxidants, including vitamin E, in burn injuries.
Since tocotrienols are an excellent antioxidant on cell membranes and can downregulate NF-kB production, the use of tocotrienols in first and second degree burns is obvious.
We would like to see a study that objectively verifies the subjectively experienced healing influence of topical tocotrienols in many cases. The studies mentioned (and the individual case reports) suggest the following application modalities:
- Use as soon as possible after the combustion occurs (in the first stages), in the phase in which/before the burn damage spreads (through the lipid peroxidation chain reaction).
- topical use on and off the skin (tocotrienols get into the skin very quickly)
- systemic administration by oral intake
Until then, the use of tocotrienol oils in burns remains at the level of the "amazingly effective" household remedy.