Abstract
The antiangiogenic and anticancer functions of tocotrienol (an unsaturated vitamin E) were discovered, and their molecular mechanisms were clarified in studies using cell cultures and experimental animals. Tocotrienol inhibits hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial growth factor secretion, and suppresses vascular endothelial growth factor and interlukin-8 expression at both mRNA and protein levels in tumor cells. The physiological functions of tocotrienol based on its intestinal absorption, its tissue organ distribution, its skin anti-inflammation and its improved lipid metabolism were also explained. The tocotrienol-rich rice plant strain was established, and the daily intake of tocotrienol in Japanese population and the safety of dietary intake of tocotrienol were confirmed. These investigations indicate the physiological significance of tocotrienol ingestion as a fat-soluble vitamin and a functional component in food products.
