Complexation of Tocotrienol with γ-Cyclodextrin Enhances Intestinal Absorption of Tocotrienol in Rats

To determine the bioavailability of tocotrienol complex with γ-cyclodextrin, the effects of tocotrienol/γ-cyclodextrin complex on tocotrienol concentration in rat plasma and tissues were studied. Rats were administered by oral gavage an emulsion containing tocotrienol, tocotrienol with γ-cyclodextrin, or tocotrienol/γ-cyclodextrin complex. At 3 h after administration, the plasma γ-tocotrienol concentration of the rats administered tocotrienol/γ-cyclodextrin complex was higher than that of the rats administered tocotrienol and γ-cyclodextrin. In order to determine the effect of complexation on tocotrienol absorption, rats were injected with Triton WR1339, which prevents the catabolism of triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein by lipoprotein lipase, and then administered by oral gavage an emulsion containing tocotrienol, tocotrienol with γ-cyclodextrin, or tocotrienol/γ-cyclodextrin complex. The plasma γ-tocotrienol concentration of the Triton-treated rats administered tocotrienol/γ-cyclodextrin complex was higher than that of the other Triton-treated rats. These results suggest that complexation of tocotrienol with γ-cyclodextrin elevates plasma and tissue tocotrienol concentrations by enhancing intestinal absorption.