Alpha-Tocopherol a Detriment to Tocotrienol Benefits

Japanese researchers have previously shown delta-tocotrienol to be the most potent anti-angiogenic Vitamin E compound. (1, 2)

In a recent study, the same researchers tested the influence of tocopherol on the cytotoxic effects of delta-tocotrienol in human colorectal cancer cells.  Tocopherol, and especially alpha-tocopherol was found to interfere with delta-tocotrienol’s cytotoxic effects.  Further, results indicate that alpha-tocopherol is not only less cytotic to cancer cells, but also reduces the anti-cancer effects of delta-tocotrienol by inhibiting its cellular uptake. ( 3 )

American River Nutrition, Inc. is the sole manufacturer and supplier of DeltaGold® , a naturally tocopherol-free tocotrienol derived from the rainforest annatto plant.  Uniquely, DeltaGold® provides only the two most potent delta- and gamma-tocotrienol isomers.

Read the PubMed abstract.

References:

1. Shibata, A., et al., delta-Tocotrienol suppresses VEGF induced angiogenesis whereas alpha-tocopherol does not. J Agric Food Chem, 2009. 57(18): p. 8696-704.
2. Shibata, A., et al., Tumor anti-angiogenic effect and mechanism of action of delta-tocotrienol. Biochem Pharmacol, 2008. 76(3): p. 330-9.
3. Shibata, A., et al., alpha-Tocopherol attenuates the cytotoxic effect of delta-tocotrienol in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun.