Ferulene triphenol: An underrated member of the vitamin E family

Vitamin E has long been associated with α-tocopherol, but its close relative ——-tocotrienols are revolutionizing our understanding through unique biological properties. These vitamin E isomers with unsaturated side chains are naturally scarce, primarily found in palm oil, rice bran, and a few grains, typically containing less than 1% of the amount found in vegetable oils.

Terpenic acid shares the benzodihydropyrrole alcohol ring structure with tocopherol, but differs in side chain saturation: terpenic acid features a "triene propyl unsaturated side chain," while tocopherol has a saturated phytic acid side chain. This structural difference endows them with unique spatial conformations and membrane permeability. It wasn't until the past decade that scientists discovered these compounds exhibit superior potential to traditional tocopherol in anticancer, neuroprotective, and metabolic regulation applications. A 2016 study confirmed that γ-terpenic acid demonstrates significant advantages in anti-tumor effects, cholesterol reduction, and neuroprotection.

1. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction: γ-T3 alters sphingolipid metabolism by inhibiting dihydropanthenolide desaturase (DEGS), leading to accumulation of dihydroceramide (dhCers) in cancer cells. This triggers JNK phosphorylation pathway activation, inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial apoptosis. After prolonged treatment (>16 hours), the enzyme-mediated hydrolysis of sphingomyelin is further activated, elevating ceramide levels (C16:0-/C18:0-Cer), which synergistically promotes apoptosis and autophagy.

2. Enhanced Efficiency of Nanosuspension System: The palm oil nanoemulsion (NE-T3) significantly improves bioavailability through ultrasound-assisted encapsulation technology. Toxicity Enhancement: The IC50 value for B16F0 melanoma cells was reduced to 45.07 μg/mL (compared to approximately 90 μg/mL with free T3), primarily through G1-phase arrest induction (over 60% cell retention) and late-stage apoptosis (12.83%). Controlled Release Characteristics: Achieves 77.97% drug release within 54 hours, maintaining sustained anti-tumor activity.