Effective skin defense, backed by science
Tocotrienols are a variant form of natural Vitamin E, consisting of eight distinct molecules. These molecules are divided into two categories: tocopherols and tocotrienols. Each category contains four members, known as alpha, beta, delta, and gamma (Jiang et al., 2009).
Tocotrienols are emerging as a highly beneficial active ingredient in the cosmetics industry, with exceptional advantages for skin health. While tocopherols are recognized for their antioxidant properties, tocotrienols offer superior benefits due to their unique anti-inflammatory capabilities. These properties are particularly valuable as consumers increasingly look for solutions for skin inflammation caused by environmental stressors and modern lifestyles.
Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in skin aging and the onset of inflammatory skin disorders. External stressors, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation and environmental pollutants, can activate an inflammatory response in keratinocytes, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8).

To assess the potential protective effects of two tocotrienol-rich fractions—Bioxan® Tocotrienol Rice 50 (Sample 1) and Bioxan Tocotrienol Palm 50 (Sample 2)—a study was conducted using an in vitro model with human keratinocytes.
Human keratinocytes were cultured as a monolayer until full confluence was achieved. The cells were then exposed to an inflammatory agent (INVITOOLS™) in the presence or absence of the test samples to evaluate their effects on cytokine production. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in the cell culture supernatants were quantified after incubation.
To determine the extent of cytokine suppression, the collected samples were analyzed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Statistical comparisons were conducted using Student’s t-test to evaluate the significance of the observed effects.
CAPACITY OF PROTECTION AGAINST IL-8 PRODUCTION (pg/ml)

CAPACITY OF PROTECTION AGAINST IL-1β PRODUCTION (pg/ml)

CAPACITY OF PROTECTION AGAINST IL-6 PRODUCTION (pg/ml)

CAPACITY OF PROTECTION AGAINST IL-8 PRODUCTION (pg/ml)

The findings suggest that both tocotrienol-based extracts possess anti-inflammatory properties. While Sample 1 effectively decreases IL-8 levels, Sample 2 provides a more extensive reduction in IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, positioning it as a strong candidate for mitigating chronic inflammation and delaying premature skin aging.
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