Suppression of Tumor Growth by Palm Tocotrienols Via the Attenuation of Angiogenesis

Previous studies have revealed that tocotrienol-rich fractions (TRF) from palm oil inhibit the proliferation and the growth of solid tumors. The anticancer activity of TRF is said to be caused by several mechanisms, one of which is antiangiogenesis. In this study, we looked at the antiangiogenic effects of TRF. In vitro investigations of the antiangiogenic activities of TRF, delta-tocotrienol (delta T-3), and alpha-tocopherol (alpha Toc) were carried out in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). TRF and delta T3 significantly inhibited cell proliferation from 4 mu g/ml onward (P < 0.05). Cell migration was inhibited the most by delta T-3 at 12 mu g/ml. Anti-angiogenic properties of TRF were carried out further in vivo using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay and BALB/c mice model. TRF at 200 mu g/ml reduced the vascular network on CAM. TRF treatment of 1 mg/mouse significantly reduced 4T1 tumor volume in BALB/c mice. TRF significantly reduced serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level in BALB/c mice. In conclusion, this study showed that palm tocotrienols exhibit antiangiogenic properties that may assist in tumor regression.