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 4 treatment groups of 7 rats each: 2 control groups pre-treated with vitamin-free palm oil, and another 2 groups pre-administered with omeprazole and tocotrienols (EVNol, supplied by ExcelVite Sdn. Bhd.) 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 due to increased production of Interleukin (IL)-1β and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α; and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The study showed EVNolpalm tocotrienol complex demonstrated similar efficacies to omeprazole in mitigating gastric injuries by reducing iNOS gene expression, regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF -α, increasing SOD activity, and decreasing incidences of lipid peroxidation.

Interestingly, EVNol demonstrated additional protective mechanisms that are not exhibited by omeprazole. When comparing to stressed control (control group that underwent WIRS), the EVNol supplemented group shows significant increased SOD activity, significant decreased iNOS expression and TNF-α compared to 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 gastro 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 to omeprazole in terms of increasing SOD activity and reduction of iNOS and TNF-α. This study basically opens the path for tocotrienol as the next primary natural alternative for people suffering from peptic ulcers since there is a growing interest in alternative therapies and the use of natural products for gastro health,” said Chee Yen Lau, nutritionist at ExcelVite.

For more information: http://www.excelvite.com