α-tocopherol is the most active form of vitamin E in humans, and is a powerful biological antioxidant. It is the major lipid soluble found in cells.
The antioxidative properties of vitamin E have been found to play a vital role in the battle against various diseases such as atherosclerosis, oxidative stress, cancer, and cataract, among others.
Due to the potent antioxidant properties of tocopherols, the impact of a-tocopherol in the prevention of chronic diseases believed to be associated with oxidative stress.
Antioxidants of vitamin E act to protect body cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body's metabolism. Vitamin E serves as one of the body’s chief defenses against damage by free radicals.
γ-tocopherol might have functions apart from being an antioxidant. It is a nucleophile able to trap electrophilic mutagens in lipophilic compartments and generates a metabolite that facilitates natriuresis.
The tocopherols are viscous oils at room temperature, insoluble in water but soluble in ethanol and aprotic solvents. Vitamin E is a slightly yellow to amber, nearly odorless, clear, viscous oil, which darkens on exposure to air or light by oxidation.
Most notably, vitamin E prevents the oxidation of the polyunsaturated fatty acids, but is protects other lipids and related components (e.g. vitamin A) as well.
Research and the clinical experiences of physician show beyond a doubt that vitamin E is good for the heart. The role of vitamin E as a heart protector has been building for decades.
Vitamin E also possesses anti-cancer properties. This is possibly because of the various functions of vitamin E which include: the stimulation of the wild-type p53 tumor suppressor gene; the downregulation of mutant p53 proteins; the activation of heat shock proteins, and an anti-angiogenic effect mediated by the blockage of transforming growth factor alpha.
Properties of Vitamin E
