Alpha-Tocotrienol, a more obscure version of Vitamin E powerfully protects the brain

Palm oil derived Tocotrienols is the richest source of Alpha-Tocotrienol; one of eight naturally occurring and distinct vitamin E analogs (a unique version of Vitamin E). Alpha-Tocotrienol possesses unique biological activity that is distinct from its antioxidant activity. Current developments in Alpha-Tocotrienol research demonstrate the ability to protect neuronal brain cells.

     The neuron in the brain (the brain nerve cell) is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as the DHA found in Fish Oils). One of the most abundant of these fats in the brain is arachidonic acid. In pathological conditions the arachidonic acid goes rancid easily contributing to disease. A number of serious neurodegenerative diseases of the brain are associated with disturbed arachidonic acid metabolism in the central nervous system causing the arachidonic acid to cleave from the cellular membrane. The associated conditions include the most common type of stroke; acute ischemic stroke.

     Palm oil Alpha-Tocotrienol at very tiny concentrations known as nanomoles has been shown to attenuate damaging mediators of arachidonic acid metabolism and neurodegeneration. On a concentration basis this represents the most potent of all biological functions exhibited by any of the eight natural Vitamin E molecules. The research review was performed at the Ohio State University Medical Center and is published in the June 2010 issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.