New study shows tocotrienol demonstrates more gastroprotective effects
Tocotrienols could be the next natural alternative for people suffering from peptic ulcers
A recent study conducted at National University of Malaysia reveals that palm tocotrienol complex is more potent than omeprazole (a medication for peptic ulcer disorders) in ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammation-associated gastric damage.
In this study, 28 rats were randomly assigned to four treatment groups of seven rats each: two control groups pre-treated with vitamin-free palm oil, and another two groups pre-administered with omeprazole and tocotrienols (EVNol, supplied by ExcelVite) respectively, for 28 days. After the treatment period, rats from one control group and two treated groups were subjected to WIRS (Water-Immersion Restraint Stress), an experimental model that mimics clinical acute gastric lesion formation prior to sacrificing for analysis.
Overexpression of iNOS (inducible-NOS) in gastric mucosa has been documented to deteriorate gastro health owing to the increased production of Interleukin (IL)-1ß and Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF)-alpha and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. This study shows EVNol palm tocotrienol complex demonstrates similar efficacies to omeprazole in mitigating gastric injuries by reducing iNOS gene expression, regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1ß and TNF-alpha, increasing SOD activity and decreasing the incidence of lipid peroxidation.
Interestingly, EVNol demonstrates additional protective mechanisms that are not exhibited by omeprazole. When compared with the stressed control (control group that underwent WIRS), the EVNol supplemented group shows significant increased SOD activity, significant decreased iNOS expression and TNF-alpha compared with omeprazole. Based on this collective findings, the researchers suggested that EVNol palm tocotrienol complex exhibits significantly more antioxidative capability and able to manage inflammatory processes more effectively in preserving the integrity of gastrointestinal health.
'We are really excited that both EVNol Palm Tocotrienol Complex and omeprazole exhibit similar antioxidative ability in attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation-related gastric injuries. However, EVNol, has shown to be more potent compared with omeprazole in terms of increasing SOD activity and reduction of iNOS and TNF-alpha. This study basically opens the path for tocotrienol as the next primary natural alternative for people suffering from peptic ulcers as there is a growing interest in alternative therapies and the use of natural products for gastric health,' says Chee Yen Lau, Nutritionist of ExcelVite.
'EVNol is a true full spectrum tocotrienol complex, extracted using a mild molecular distillation procedure, from red palm fruit oil. This patented molecular distillation process minimises losses while preserving the naturalness and maximum levels of tocotrienols. In addition, EVNol consists of low levels of other phytonutrients such as squalene, phytosterols, mixed carotene and CoQ10. With these encouraging results along with published clinical data and ongoing studies, EVNol is your trusted tocotrienol of choice for a new vitamin E formula or a reformulation of your existing products (for its synergistic effects),' added Bryan See, Regional Product Manager of ExcelVite.
