Nanoemulsions of an anti-oxidant synergy formulation containing gamma tocopherol have enhanced bioavailability and anti-inflammatory properties

The present study investigated whether MicroFluidizer Processor®-based nanoemulsions of an antio-xidant synergy formulation (ASF), containing delta, alpha and gamma tocopherol influenced inflammation and bioavailability in CD-1 mice. Croton oil was applied to all animals’ right ear lobe to induce inflammation. Auricular thickness was measured after 2 and 6 h after the various treatments. The animal plasma and ear lobes were collected and frozen for bioavailability and cytokine analyses. The ASF nanoemulsions of alpha, delta, or gamma tocopherol significantly reduced auricular thickness compared to control (57, −57, and −71%, respectively) and blank nanoemulsion (−50, −50, −67%, respectively). Relative to the suspensions of ASF, only the nanoemulsion of ASF containing gamma tocopherol significantly reduced auricular thickness (−60%), whereas the 40% reduction with nanoemulsions of delta tocopherol compared to suspension was not statistically significant. Auricular concentrations of cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1 alpha were significantly reduced in mice treated only with ASF nanoemulsions of gamma tocopherol compared to control (−53, −46%, respectively) and blank nanoemulsion (−52, −46%, respectively). Auricular thickness was significantly associated with tissue TNF-alpha (r = 0.539, p < 0.001) and IL-1 alpha concentrations (r = 0.404, p = 0.01). Bioavailability for gamma and delta was dramatically enhanced (2.2- and 2.4-folds) with the nanoemulsion compared to suspensions. Only the plasma gamma tocopherol concentration was significantly associated with auricular thickness (r = −0.643, P = 0.001). In conclusion, nanoemulsions of ASF containing gamma, alpha, and delta tocopherol, have enhanced anti-inflammatory properties and increased bioavailability, with gamma tocopherol, in particular compared to their suspensions.