Multitargeted therapy of cancer by tocotrienols

Natural compounds with possible health benefits have become attractive targets for research in areas pertaining to human health. For both prevention and therapy of various human ailments, such compounds are preferred over synthetic ones due to their lesser toxicity. They are also easily absorbed and processed by our body. Vitamins are prominent among natural or endogenous compounds that are considered to be beneficial. The vitamin E group of compounds is among the better known of the vitamins due to their suggested health benefits including antioxidant and related protective properties. Among these, tocotrienols have gained prominence in recent years due to their potential applications and better protective effects in certain systems. These tocotrienols are vitamin E derivatives that are analogs of the more established forms of vitamin E namely tocopherols. In addition to their potent antioxidant activity, tocotrienols have other important functions, especially in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system and a possible role in protection against cancer and other ailments. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.