Palm Tocotrienol Protects Against Stroke Injury of Brain

9-27-2005 - Malasia’s palm oil has received a boost from the medical world with a recent discovery that palm tocotrienol (vitamin E), which is a palm oil extract, may help prevent stroke.

Ohio State University Medical Centre vitamin E researcher Professor Chandan K. Sen said there is scientific evidence of tocotrienol’s stroke prevention properties.

“Even short-term dietary intake of palm tocotrienol is readily absorbed by major organs such as the heart, brain, lungs and skin.

“In the past, other forms of dietary tocotrienol did not manage to reach major organs and dampened research of the vitamin E as a dietary supplement,” Chandan told reporters in Bandar Sunway, Selangor, yesterday.

Chandan made the announcement in conjunction with the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and the on-going International Palm Oil Congress (PIPOC 2005) themed “Technological Breakthroughs and Commercialisation”.

Vitamin E is a family of related compounds known as tocopherols and tocotrienols which are linked to health benefits. These would include reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer, boosting immune systems and acting as anti-oxidants.

“With this discovery, what is needed now is for the Malaysian Government, MPOB and other agencies to align resources to distribute this scientific finding to the people. Science cannot go to the people without commercialisation,” said Chandan.

Palm tocotrienol is currently extracted under patent by Carotech Bhd and marketed by its parent Hovid Bhd under the brand name Tocomin.

Chandan conducted the study funded by a research grant in excess of US$1.2 million (US$1 = RM3.77) from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the US which is a division under the National Institute of Health.

« Back to All News Articles