Search Results (320)

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is a major oilseed crop rich in phytosterols and tocopherols, compounds associated with functional and nutritional properties of vegetable oils. This study aimed to apply, for the first time, Independent Component Analysis (ICA) to discriminate the composition of phytosterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol) and tocopherols (α, β, γ, δ) in 20 soybean genotypes—14 non-transgenic and six transgenic—cultivated in two major producing regions of Paraná state, Brazil (Londrina and Ponta Grossa). Lipophilic compounds were extracted from soybean seeds, quantified via gas chromatography and HPLC, and statistically analyzed using ICA with the JADE algorithm. The extracted independent components successfully differentiated soybean varieties based on phytochemical profiles. Notably, transgenic cultivars from Ponta Grossa exhibited higher levels of total tocopherols, including α- and β-tocopherol, while conventional cultivars from both regions showed elevated phytosterol content, particularly campesterol and stigmasterol. ICA proved to be a powerful unsupervised method for visualizing patterns in complex compositional data. These findings highlight the significant influence of genotype and growing region on the nutraceutical potential of soybean, and support the use of multivariate analysis as a strategic tool for cultivar selection aimed at enhancing functional quality in food applications. Full article

γ-tocopherol is an important antioxidant compound associated with anticancer activity in several plants. This study aimed to analyze the γ-TMT (γ-tocopherol methyltransferase) gene sequence and predict its protein structure in mutant rodent tuber (Typhonium flagelliforme Lodd.) plants. Degenerate primers were designed from homologous sequences in monocot species and used to amplify the γ-TMT gene. Amplification of the γ-TMT gene was observedin the mutant and the wild-type plants. The amplified region partially covers the γ-TMT gene, which has undergone mutations due to a combination of somaclonal variation and gamma irradiation. Sequence analysis revealed notable variations between mutant and wild-type lines, including base substitutions and deletions. Predicted protein structures based on the coding DNA sequence (CDS) revealed notable differences in helix and loop orientation, particularly in the C-terminal domain and central regions of the protein. These structural differences suggest potential links to increased tocopherol biosynthesis or biological activity; however, further experimental validation is required to confirm these functional implications. This study provides foundational insights into the link between the expression of the γ-TMT gene and tocopherol biosynthesis and supports the development of specific molecular markers in T. flagelliforme. Full article

Carotenoid, chlorophyll and tocochromanol biosynthesis and accumulation are interrelated and age-dependent in plants. Model plants produce tocopherols, but do not produce significant amounts of tocotrienols; consequently, the regulation of tocotrienol biosynthesis in plants has been scarcely studied. The Hypericum genus produces a variety of prenyllipids naturally in all parts of the plant, allowing for a glimpse into the relationship between them without genetic or other interference. Consequently, five Hypericum species’ leaves of different ages were investigated—H. androsaemum, H. pseudohenryi, H. hookerianum, H. patulum and one hybrid H. × inodorum (H. androsaemum × H. hircinum). The leaves contained predominantly α-tocopherol, γ-tocotrienol and δ-tocotrienol (30.9–212.8, 8.13–22.43 and 1.87–20.8 mg 100 g⁻¹, respectively). Higher quantities of tocochromanols, a lower chlorophyll content and a higher a/b ratio were observed in the bottom (older) leaves. The predominant carotenoids were lutein (semi-quantitative) and β-carotene (7.60–28.63 and 2.33–12.43 mg 100 g⁻¹, respectively). Carotenoid contents were lower in bottom leaves than in middle or top leaves, and the highest carotenoid content was observed in H. hookerianum and H. patulum. Leaf tocopherol, tocotrienol, chlorophyll and carotenoid accumulation were section and leaf age-dependent, and distinct relationships can be observed between the accumulation of some prenyl lipids, but not others. Full article

Tocopherols, due to their antioxidant properties, are valuable compounds in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The present study compares the glyceride oil content and tocopherol profile of seeds of 49 plant species from 39 families of Bulgarian wild flora to identify their potential industrial and nutritional applications. The oils were extracted using the Soxhlet apparatus, and the tocopherol and tocotrienol composition was established by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to group the plants based on their tocopherol profile. The results show high variability in the content of glyceride oils (ranging from 0.5% to 40.6%) and tocopherol profiles among species, even among plants within the same family. Four clusters were identified, each of which was characterized by the dominance of one of the tocopherol or tocotrienol isomers, i.e., α-tocopherol or γ-tocopherol, and reflected the chemical diversity of the examined plants. The statistical analysis confirmed that tocopherols and tocotrienols are significant factors influencing cluster grouping. The results reflect natural variability among species grown under field conditions, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. This study provides valuable preliminary information for identifying wild species with promising tocopherol profiles for future functional research. Full article

Vitamin E has been extensively studied for its neuroprotective properties, with increasing evidence supporting its broader roles in brain health. This scoping review aims to systematically identify, analyze, and synthesize evidence of the existing literature over the last 10 years on tocotrienol and tocopherol supplementation in humans. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCOhost yielding 42 eligible articles. Findings suggest that tocopherols, especially α- and γ-forms, are associated with improved cognitive performance, reduced neuroinflammation, and preservation of synaptic proteins. Despite tocotrienol’s lower plasma bioavailability, tocotrienol availability in selective brain regions has been associated with structural protection, particularly in white matter. Both compounds exhibit complementary effects, suggesting a potential advantage of combined supplementation. However, heterogeneity in study designs, subject characteristics, dosage, duration, and assessment methods limit direct comparisons and generalizability of findings. Based on our review’s findings, further research such as dose-optimization, long-term exposures, and delivery methods on human studies should be performed. This review highlights the multifaceted roles of vitamin E in brain health and underscores the urgent need for well-designed studies to clarify the distinct and synergistic effects of tocopherols and tocotrienols, particularly in human populations. Full article

Bioactive compounds have shown significant potential in the management of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study investigates the effects of antioxidant lipids (ALω-3), synthetized through enzymatic acidolysis using non-specific lipase B from Candida antarctica under supercritical CO₂ conditions. These lipids were derived from a concentrate of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) belly oil, rich in long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (LCPUFAn-3), and cold-pressed maqui seed oil (MO, Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz). Their effects were then evaluated in a murine high-fat diet (HFD) model. The fatty acid profile, tocopherol and tocotrienol content, and thin-layer chromatography of ALω-3 were analyzed. After 8 weeks on an HFD, male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups and switched to a control diet (CD) with the following supplements for 3 weeks: Glycerol (G), commercial marine Omega-3 (CMω-3), a mixture of LCPUFAn-3 concentrate + MO (Mω-3), or ALω-3. The total body and organ weights, serum markers, and liver and visceral fat pro-inflammatory marker expression levels were assessed. ALω-3 contained 13.4% oleic, 33.9% linoleic, 6.3% α-linolenic, 10.7% eicosapentaenoic, and 16.2% docosahexaenoic fatty acids. The β, γ, δ-tocopherol, and β, γ-tocotrienol values were 22.9 ± 1.4, 24.9 ± 0.2, 6.8 ± 0.7, 22.9 ± 1.7, and 22.4 ± 4.7 mg·kg⁻¹, respectively, with α-tocopherol detected in traces. ALω-3 supplementation increased serum Trolox equivalent capacity, significantly reduced serum GPT levels (p < 0.01), and enhanced postprandial glucose tolerance (p < 0.001), although it did not alter insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). These findings indicate ALω-3′s potential for mitigating the glucose intolerance, liver damage, and oxidative stress associated with obesity and MetS, highlighting the need for additional research to explore its potential health benefits. Full article

Background: Oxidative stress is associated with the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Long-term treatment with anti-seizure medications (ASMs) may reduce antioxidant levels, which consequently impairs the brain’s ability to counteract oxidative damage. This study aimed to assess the concentrations of selected antioxidants (i.e., glutathione, retinol, and α- and γ-tocopherols) in children with epilepsy treated with polytherapy. Methods: The study included 21 children with epilepsy treated with ≥2 ASMs for at least 6 months (mean age 7.1 ± 4.4 years) and 23 control children without epilepsy (mean age 7.4 ± 3.9 years). Both groups were recruited at the Department of Pediatric Neurology, the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland). The concentrations of glutathione, retinol, and α- and γ-tocopherols were determined in blood serum by HPLC. The antioxidant levels were compared between sex and age subgroups of individuals with epilepsy. Results: In the group of individuals with epilepsy, the percentage of females was 38% and in the control group it was 30%. There were no differences in antioxidant levels between female and male individuals with epilepsy, nor between younger epileptic children (0–6 years) and older children (>6 years). Individuals with epilepsy had significantly lower glutathione levels than the control group (1.5 ± 0.3 µmol/L vs. 2.4 ± 1.2 µmol/L, respectively, p < 0.001). In turn, the ratios of both α-tocopherol/glutathione and γ-tocopherol/glutathione were higher in individuals with epilepsy than in the control group (p = 0.042 and p = 0.004, respectively). Individuals with epilepsy taking ASM combinations other than valproic acid (VPA) and levetiracetam (LEV) had a lower level of both retinol and glutathione than individuals on VPA and LEV treatment (for retinol 0.44 ± 0.13 µmol/L vs. 0.6 ± 0.1 µmol/L, respectively, p = 0.047, and for glutathione 1.3 ± 0.3 µmol/L vs. 1.8 ± 0.3 µmol/L, respectively, p = 0.003). In the individuals with epilepsy, the level of α-tocopherol decreased with age (r = −0.505, p = 0.019). In turn, in the control group, the levels of retinol and γ-tocopherol increased with age (r = 0.573, p = 0.004 and r = 0.461, p = 0.027, respectively). Conclusions: Glutathione levels significantly differed between children with and without epilepsy. The concentration of α-tocopherol decreased with age in pediatric individuals with epilepsy. The levels of both retinol and glutathione were higher in individuals with epilepsy taking VPA and LEV treatment compared to individuals on ASMs combination other than VPA and LEV. Full article

Nutrition is a key determinant in modulating disease risk, with numerous studies highlighting the role of antioxidants and lipids, particularly the micronutrient and fatty acid composition of natural oils and their bioactive metabolites. In this context, argan oil—a vegetable oil extracted from the kernels of Argania spinosa—has gained significant attention due to its well-balanced fatty acid profile, rich in oleic and linoleic acids, and its high levels of antioxidant compounds, including tocopherols, polyphenols, and phytosterols, particularly schottenol and spinasterol. Thanks to its unique composition, argan oil exhibits protective properties against harmful biological processes, such as oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which play a significant role in various diseases. Preclinical studies, both in vitro and in vivo, have demonstrated that argan oil reduces oxidative stress by preventing DNA damage, protein carbonylation, and lipid peroxidation, while simultaneously increasing antioxidant defenses. Furthermore, it modulates inflammatory responses by decreasing pro-inflammatory biomarkers, increasing anti-inflammatory markers, and limiting immune cell infiltration across different tissues. These antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are thought to be linked to argan oil’s ability to regulate key signaling pathways, such as Nrf-2 and NF-κB. Although direct evidence remains limited, studies suggest that its main bioactive components—fatty acid, γ-tocopherol, ferulic acid, and campesterol—can influence these pathways, either by activating Nrf2 to boost antioxidant defenses or by inhibiting NF-κB to suppress inflammation. This review explores the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of argan oil, drawing insights from a range of scientific studies to better understand its therapeutic potential. Full article

The Allium plant genus has many species, among which Allium iranicum (AI) from the family Amaryllidaceae is endemic to Iran. There is no report on the oil composition of AI seeds. In this study, oil from AI seeds was extracted by a solvent and its composition and quality characteristics were determined. The yield of seed oil was 14.3%. The most predominant unsaturated fatty acid was linoleic acid (64.4%), followed by oleic acid (16.9%), and the main saturated fatty acids were palmitic acid (13.6%) followed by stearic acid (2.8%). Beta-sitosterol (50.7%), campestrol (15.7%), and delta5-avenasterol (8.2%) were the most dominant phytosterols in extracted AI oil. The most dominant tocopherol was α-tocopherol (1188 ppm) along with low amounts of δ- and γ-tocopherols. The obtained results showed that the oil extracted from seeds of AI can be a valuable by-product of this plant with suitable nutritional indices and can be used as a new source of vegetable oil. Further research is required to reveal its potential pharmaceutical and food applications. Full article

In this study, we evaluated the effects of two wheat varieties with different carotenoid concentrations (Pexeso and Tercie) and two fat sources with contrasting fatty acid profiles (rapeseed oil and lard) on hen performance, egg quality, and egg yolk retention of carotenoids. The feed conversion ratio of hens that received Tercie wheat and lard in their diet were greater than those of hens that received other diets (p = 0.002). Greater (p ˂ 0.001) eggshell thickness and strength occurred when hens were fed a Pexeso wheat diet. Moreover, Pexeso wheat and lard increased lutein (p ˂ 0.001 and p = 0.001) and zeaxanthin (p ˂ 0.001 and p = 0.001) contents in egg yolks. The highest lutein retention (p = 0.010) occurred in the groups that received Pexeso wheat (46.4 and 47.4%), and the highest zeaxanthin retention (p = 0.011) occurred with a Pexeso wheat and lard diet (59.5%). The lowest lutein and zeaxanthin retention occurred in hens fed a Tercie wheat and rapeseed oil diet (23.6% for lutein retention and 24.1% for zeaxanthin retention). The Pexeso wheat and rapeseed oil diet increased the concentrations of α- and γ-tocopherol (p ˂ 0.001 and p ˂ 0.001) in egg yolks, which influenced the oxidative stability of the eggs. Compared with other diets, a Tercie wheat and rapeseed oil diet led to the lowest oxidative stability in fresh eggs (p = 0.041). In conclusion, Pexeso wheat had greater retention of biologically active substances and higher mineral contents than Tercie wheat, which was reflected in the performance of hens and the quality of eggs. The combination of Pexeso wheat with rapeseed oil, which is rich in tocopherols and polyunsaturated fatty acids and has a favorable n-6/n-3 ratio, increased the tocopherol content and the oxidative stability of egg yolk fats. Full article

α-Tocopherol (α-T) predominates in photosynthetic tissues, while tocotrienols (T3s) are reported very rarely. The genus Hypericum stands out as one of the few exceptions. Given the potential health benefits associated with tocotrienols, sourcing them from natural origins is of interest. The proper selection of plant material and the drying conditions are crucial steps in this process. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effects of four different drying techniques (freeze-drying, microwave–vacuum-, infrared oven and air-drying) on the tocochromanol content in leaves of three Hypericum species: H. androsaemum, H. pseudohenryi, and H. hookerianum and one hybrid H. × inodorum. The total tocochromanol content in the freeze-dried leaves harvested in September was 68.1–150.6 mg/100 g dry weight. α-T constituted 66.7–85.9% (w/w), while tocotrienols constituted 13–32% (w/w). H. pseudohenryi was characterized by the lowest tocotrienol content, while H. androsaemum and H. hookerianum had the highest, with δ-T3 and γ-T3, respectively, being predominant. Tocotrienols were more stable during drying than α-T. The greatest decrease in α-T content was observed during air-drying in the presence of sunlight, with a 27% difference compared to the absence of sunlight. The species and harvest time are factors that more strongly affect the tocotrienol content in the Hypericum leaves than the selected drying method. Full article

This study examines the chemical composition and antioxidant properties of iron walnut oil (IWO) from different Chinese regions, using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the analysis of phenolic compounds. Regional variations were identified in fatty acid profiles, with elevated α-linolenic acid levels observed in samples from cooler climates (e.g., Liaoning, sample 1) that were 60% higher than in samples from warmer regions (e.g., Sichuan, sample 2). Antioxidant properties, quantified using 1,1-diphenylpicryl phenyl hydrazine (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS), and Ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, corresponded to both oil polyphenol content (up to 62.91 mg/kg) and γ-tocopherol concentrations (268.68–525.05 mg/kg). Nineteen phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified, including ellagic acid, gallic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid, quercetin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, coniferol, and pinoresinol. This comprehensive analysis underscores the nutritional and therapeutic potential of IWO, and delineates the impact of geographic and environmental factors on its quality, providing a scientific foundation for further research and development aimed at enhancing food industry standards and exploring natural product chemistry. Full article

The genus Hypericum is a widely distributed ornamental and therapeutic herb known for its diverse bioactive compounds, including xanthones. The levels of secondary metabolites in plants are influenced by the specific plant part, agronomic conditions, and environmental factors. Recently, the occurrence of tocotrienols, rare tocochromanols, was reported in Hypericum perforatum. Therefore, this study investigated the profiles of tocochromanols in different plant sections—leaves, stems, flowers, and flower bud—of four Hypericum species: H. perforatum, H. annulatum, H. androsaemum, and H. × inodorum, cultivated in three types of soil: potting, sandy, and clay. In the initial growing year, the highest biomass yield was recorded for H. perforatum grown in potting soil. Soil and species significantly influence biomass yield (p < 0.05). The inflorescences of H. perforatum were dominated by tocotrienols (T3s), primarily α-T3 and δ-T3, an observation not noted for H. annulatum. α-Tocopherol (α-T) was dominant in the leaves, while in the stems, except for H. perforatum (α-T), tocotrienols—γ-T3 and δ-T3 in H. inodorum and H. androsaemum and α-T3 and γ-T3 in H. annulatum—were more prevalent. This study demonstrates differences in tocochromanol accumulation in different parts of the four Hypericum species grown in different soils. Full article

The seeds of Corema album are considered a by-product in fruit processing. This study aimed to determine the oil contents in seeds and characterize their triacylglycerol contents through a comparative analysis using three extraction solvent systems: hexane (Soxhlet method), hexane–isopropanol (Hara–Radin method), and methanol–chloroform–water (Bligh–Dyer method). The extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and HPLC. The composition of fatty acids and triacylglycerols was determined, as were the allocation of fatty acids across the sn-2 and sn-1,3 positions, tocopherol and tocotrienol profile, and melting behavior through differential scanning calorimetry. Furthermore, the atherogenicity (IA) and thrombogenicity (IT) cardiovascular health indices were also calculated. The oil predominantly contained unsaturated fatty acids, and α-linolenic acid made up 45.8% of the total, along with a reduced n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio (0.75). The α-linolenoyl chain primarily occupied the sn-1,3 (45.9%) and sn-2 (39.1%) positions. γ-tocotrienol was the most abundant tocochromanol. The melting curve of oil suggests the presence of fractions with a low melting point, composed of triacylglycerols containing polyunsaturated fatty acids. The oil exhibits low values for IA and IT of 0.05 and 0.04, respectively. Corema seed oil has potential health benefits thanks to its rich composition in the essential fatty acid, α-linolenic acid, the low proportion of n-6/n-3 fatty acids, and the low values of IA and IT. Full article

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) is an ornamental and medical plant, distributed worldwide, which is rich in diverse secondary metabolites. The discovery of the presence of tocotrienols (rare prenyllipids) in H. perforatum marks a new chapter demanding a deeper understanding of the accumulation of these lipophilic biomolecules. Three wild St. John’s wort populations were harvested in Latvia at three different locations from 2022 to 2024 and separated into stems, leaves, flower buds, and flowers. Plant samples were freeze-dried, ground, saponified, and analyzed for tocochromanol profiles using RP-LC-FLD and confirmed by an LC-MS system. Eight tocochromanols, four tocopherols (Ts), and four tocotrienols (T3s), were identified and confirmed in H. perforatum. Leaves were dominated by α-T (82%), and flower buds and flowers by δ-T3 (44%); thus, the lowest concentrations of tocotrienols were recorded in leaves and the highest in flower buds. The other tocotrienols were present as follows: α-T3 > γ-T3 > β-T3. The location of H. perforatum, the year of harvest, the aerial part of the plant, and their interactions all significantly influenced the content of tocochromanols (p < 0.05). The present study demonstrates relevant discoveries regarding the accumulation of tocotrienols in various St. John’s wort organs and their variability. Full article