Mixed tocopherols inhibit azoxymethane-induced aberrant crypt foci in rats

Gamma (gamma) tocopherol, but not alpha (a) tocopherol (vitamin E), has previously been reported as an effective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme activity. In a pilot study of 17 rats, mixed tocopherols containing more than 50% gamma-tocopherol, added at 0.1% to an AIN-76A diet, produced a significant inhibition (about 55%) of azoxy-methane-induced aberrant crypt foci in the colon of rats. Mixed tocopherols also reduced tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate-induced ear inflammation in mice when topically applied.