Superfoods & Botanicals
Tocotrienols (Palm or Annatto)
Also known as: Delta-tocotrienol · Gamma-tocotrienol · EVNol · Tocomax
The lesser-known members of the vitamin E family with unique benefits beyond alpha-tocopherol. Lower cholesterol, protect neurons, and have emerging anti-cancer activity — particularly delta and gamma forms.
Effective Dose
100–300mg / day
per clinical evidence
Evidence Level
Moderate
Superfoods & Botanicals
Mechanism
Potent antioxidant, HMG-CoA reductase inhibition, neuroprotection
primary action
Best For
Cholesterol
Neuroprotection, Cardiovascular, Anti-cancer
This profile is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications.
What Is Tocotrienols (Palm or Annatto)?
Tocotrienols are one of four members of the vitamin E family (alongside tocopherols) but with distinct pharmacology. While alpha-tocopherol (the most common supplement form) primarily acts as a lipid-soluble antioxidant, delta and gamma-tocotrienols have additional enzyme-inhibiting and neuroprotective properties not shared by tocopherols.
How It Works: The Science
Delta-tocotrienol inhibits HMG-CoA reductase (the statin target) at the post-transcriptional level, reducing LDL synthesis. Tocotrienols are 40–60× more potent antioxidants than tocopherols due to their unsaturated side chain enabling faster movement through membranes. They also inhibit NF-κB, reduce glutamate excitotoxicity in neurons, and may inhibit angiogenesis in tumour tissue.
Primary Mechanism
Potent antioxidant, HMG-CoA reductase inhibition, neuroprotection
Evidence-Based Benefits
Dosage Guide
Effective Dose
100–300mg / day
100–300mg/day delta-tocotrienol or mixed tocotrienol complex. Annatto-derived tocotrienols (highest delta-tocotrienol content) are preferred. Take with a fat-containing meal. Avoid very high-dose alpha-tocopherol simultaneously (displaces tocotrienols from tissues).
Safety Profile & Side Effects
Well tolerated. Avoid combining with high-dose alpha-tocopherol (>100mg) — alpha-tocopherol competitively reduces tocotrienol bioavailability.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Take It
Those with high LDL cholesterol wanting a statin-adjacent natural intervention, older adults concerned with neurodegeneration, and those wanting a more complete vitamin E profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Ingredients
Medical Disclaimer
Ingredient profiles are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications. Full disclaimer →