Advances in Genetic Improvement for Tocotrienol Production: A Review

Comparative analysis of macro- and micro-nutrients of Perilla frutescens var. crispa f. viridis microgreens and germinated seeds

This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of germinated seeds and microgreens derived from Perilla frutescens var. crispa f. viridis, hypothesizing that microgreens would exhibit higher concentrations of nutrients and bioactive compounds compared to their precursors. Perilla frutescens was chosen for its popularity and wide use in Asian cuisine. A series of analytical methods was employed to quantify and qualify various components. The findings indicate that germinated seeds exhibit significantly higher quantities of lipids, proteins, sugars, free amino acids, and minerals, whereas microgreens possess significantly high concentration of vitamins and polyphenols. These results provide valuable insights into the nutritional differences between germinated seeds and microgreens, highlighting their distinct contributions to diet. Specifically, incorporating germinated seeds can enhance macronutrient intake, while microgreens can boost antioxidant intake. These findings can inform the development of targeted dietary recommendations, promoting the inclusion of both germinated seeds and microgreens to meet specific nutritional needs and improve health outcomes.

α-Tocotrienol in rice bran enhances steroidogenesis in mouse Leydig cell via increased gene expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and induction of its mitochondrial translocation

Rice is a staple food in the Asian region and one of the world's major energy sources. Testosterone is a steroid hormone that maintains physical, sexual, and cognitive ability, and its decline causes health problems like late-onset hypogonadism. Evaluation of various grain extracts showed rice bran to stimulate testosterone secretion from Leydig model cells. α-Tocotrienol was found as a bioactive compound in rice bran, and mechanistic analysis showed the stimulation of steroid hormone synthesis through enhanced gene expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein as well as inducing mitochondrial localization of the protein. Preliminary study showed an increasing trend in serum testosterone levels in mice by oral intake of α-tocotrienol. These results suggest that α-tocotrienol intake may be effective in preventing symptoms caused by low testosterone levels.

Revisiting the therapeutic potential of tocotrienol

The therapeutic potential of the tocotrienol group stems from its nutraceutical properties as a dietary supplement. It is largely considered to be safe when consumed at low doses for attenuating pathophysiology as shown by animal models, in vitro assays, and ongoing human trials. Medical researchers and the allied sciences have experimented with tocotrienols for many decades, but its therapeutic potential was limited to adjuvant or concurrent treatment regimens. Recent studies have focused on targeted drug delivery by enhancing the bioavailability through carriers, self-sustained emulsions, nanoparticles, and ethosomes. Epigenetic modulation and computer remodeling are other means that will help increase chemosensitivity. This review will focus on the systemic intracellular anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms that are stimulated and/or regulated by tocotrienols while highlighting its potent therapeutic properties in a diverse group of clinical diseases.

Effects of delta-tocotrienol supplementation on Glycemic Control, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers and miRNA expression in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized control trial

The study aimed to ascertain the effects of delta-tocotrienol (δT3) supplementation on glycemic control, oxidative stress, inflammation and related micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA) expression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Total 110 patients of T2DM on oral hypoglycemic agents, were randomly divided into tocotrienol and placebo groups and given 250 mg δT3 or cellulose soft gel capsule once daily respectively for 24 weeks. Glycemic control, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers, and miRNAs expression were measured in serum at baseline and end of the intervention by using standard laboratory methods. Compared to the placebo, δT3 supplementation resulted in a significant (p ≤ .05) reduction [mean difference (95% confidence interval)] in plasma glucose [-0.48 (-0.65, -0.30)], insulin [-1.19 (-1.51, -0.87)], homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance [-0.67 (-0.86, -0.49)], glycosylated hemoglobin [-0.53 (-0.79, -0.28)], malondialdehyde [-0.34 (-0.45, -0.22)], high sensitive-C-reactive protein[-0.35 (-0.54, -0.16)], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [-1.22 (-1.62, -0.83)], and interleukin-6[-2.30 (-2.91, -1.68)]. More than twofold downregulation in miRNA-375, miRNA-34a, miRNA-21, and upregulation in miRNA-126, miRNA-132 expression was observed in the δT3 group compared to the placebo. The study demonstrated that δT3 supplementation in addition to oral hypoglycemic agents, improved glycemic control, inflammation, oxidative stress, and miRNA expression in T2DM without any adverse effect. Thus, δT3 might be considered as an effective dietary supplement to prevent long-term diabetic complications.

Plant Synthetic Metabolic Engineering for Enhancing Crop Nutritional Quality

Nutrient deficiencies in crops are a serious threat to human health, especially for populations in poor areas. To overcome this problem, the development of crops with nutrient-enhanced traits is imperative. Biofortification of crops to improve nutritional quality helps combat nutrient deficiencies by increasing the levels of specific nutrient components. Compared with agronomic practices and conventional plant breeding, plant metabolic engineering and synthetic biology strategies are more effective and accurate in synthesizing specific micronutrients, phytonutrients, and/or bioactive components in crops. In this review, we discuss recent progress in the field of plant synthetic metabolic engineering, specifically in terms of research strategies of multigene stacking tools and engineering complex metabolic pathways, with a focus on improving traits related to micronutrients, phytonutrients, and bioactive components. Advances and innovations in plant synthetic metabolic engineering would facilitate the development of nutrient-enriched crops to meet the nutritional needs of humans.

Tocotrienols and Cancer: From the State of the Art to Promising Novel Patents

BACKGROUND

Tocotrienols (TTs) are vitamin E derivatives naturally occurring in several plants and vegetable oils. Like Tocopherols (TPs), they comprise four isoforms, α, β, γ and δ, but unlike TPs, they present an unsaturated isoprenoid chain. Recent studies indicate that TTs provide important health benefits, including neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, cholesterol lowering and immunomodulatory effects. Moreover, they have been found to possess unique anti-cancer properties.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review is to present an overview of the state of the art of TTs role in cancer prevention and treatment, as well as to describe recent patents proposing new methods for TTs isolation, chemical modification and use in cancer prevention and/or therapy.

METHODS

Recent literature and patents focusing on TTs anti-cancer applications have been identified and reviewed, with special regard to their scientific impact and novelty.

RESULTS

TTs have demonstrated significant anti-cancer activity in multiple tumor types, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, they have shown synergistic effects when given in combination with standard anti-cancer agents or other anti-tumor natural compounds. Finally, new purification processes and transgenic sources have been designed in order to improve TTs production, and novel TTs formulations and synthetic derivatives have been developed to enhance their solubility and bioavailability.

CONCLUSION

The promising anti-cancer effects shown by TTs in several preclinical studies may open new opportunities for therapeutic interventions in different tumors. Thus, clinical trials aimed at confirming TTs chemopreventive and tumor-suppressing activity, particularly in combination with standard therapies, are urgently needed.