Vitamin E is the key: a pharmacist has discovered a substance that ‘switches off’ inflammation

Vitamin E is known for its beneficial effect on immune processes. Researchers have now even discovered that it has a dual effect on inflammation-regulating signalling molecules. Photo: Catalin/Adobe Stock.

Alzheimer’s, obesity or atherosclerosis: many lifestyle-related diseases are driven by or accompanied by inflammation. “Treatments usually aim to halt the progression of inflammation. However, for a long-term cure, it must be completely resolved,” explains Andreas Koeberle, a pharmacist at the University of Graz. Normally, the body carries out this work itself. However, if this process does not function properly, chronic inflammation can develop, which can contribute to conditions such as cardiovascular disease or cancer.

As part of an international research project, Koeberle investigated active substances that have the potential both to act as anti-inflammatories and to resolve existing inflammation. The team made a discovery in the form of a type of vitamin E: “This molecule has the dual effect we were looking for on inflammation-regulating signalling molecules. It also protects cells from ferroptosis, a type of cell death that can contribute to the inflammatory response,” explains Koeberle.

The substance identified can be produced in the human body and also bears a strong resemblance to a compound found in the bitter cola plant. This plant has long been used in traditional African medicine to treat inflammatory conditions. “However, it remains to be confirmed whether the two slightly different compounds have the same mechanism of action,” explains the researcher.

Further studies are needed

Vitamin E is known for its positive influence on immune processes. Researchers from Graz, Innsbruck, Angers (France), Jena (Germany) and Naples (Italy) have therefore investigated this substance, as well as 24 of its derivatives, which can also be produced in the human body. “To demonstrate the therapeutic benefit, further experiments are now needed, particularly in models that replicate inflammation-driven tissue damage,” adds Koeberle. The results of the current study have been published in the journal *Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B*.

Publication:
Permann, S., Brunner, E., Alsabil, K., Werner, M., Waltl, L., Viault, G., D’Avino, D., Perkowski, B., Siller, A., Fritsch, L., Perna, S., Schennach, H., Séraphin, D., Koeberle, S.C., Jordan, P., Roviezzo, F., Richomme, P., Rossi, A., Helesbeux, J.J., Werz, O., Koeberle, A. (2026) Tocotrienol metabolites redirect lipid mediator production in innate immune cells towards inflammation resolution. Acta Pharm Sinica B, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsb.2026.06.056

>> Anyone interested in researching active substances can study Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Graz.

Gerhild Leljak

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