Tocopherols are a class of chemical substances known collectively as vitamin E.
They are fat-soluble antioxidants that have the ability to neutralize harmful free radicals in
fat-soluble environments in the body.
Tocopherols are found in a variety of foods. Nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils are the richest sources, while significant amounts are
also found in green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals.
There are four different types of tocopherols: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. Each has a slightly different
chemical structure and function.
Alpha-tocopherol is the most biologically active form and is the form most commonly found in supplements
and in the European diet.
In the US, gamma-tocopherol is the most common form in the diet due to a higher intake of soybean and corn oil.
Beta-tocopherol is not as common or as biologically active as alpha-tocopherol,
but it is still an important part of the vitamin E complex. Foods rich in beta-tocopherol include
certain nuts and seeds, vegetable oils, and some types of leafy green vegetables.
Delta-tocopherol is the least active tocopherol when it comes to vitamin activity in the human body.
It is usually in smaller amounts than alpha and gamma-tocopherols. The highest natural concentrations of delta-tocopherol can typically be
found in certain vegetable oils, like soybean oil and corn oil. Delta-tocopherol can also been found in some leafy green vegetables.
From a health perspective, tocopherols are crucial for normal neurological function and fertility, as well as acting as an antioxidant.
They are also involved in immune function, DNA repair, and other metabolic processes.
Deficiency of Vitamin E (tocopherols) can lead to neurological problems due to poor nerve conduction, muscle weakness, and retinopathy.
It's important to note that excessive consumption of alpha-tocopherol can potentially interfere with the absorption and function of
other forms of vitamin E, so it is usually recommended to get vitamin E from a balanced diet rather than supplements.
Examples of some tocopherols found in herbal leaf extracts are listed below:
Tea Leaves -
Green tea and black tea leaves contain alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol.
Herbs and Spices - Certain herbs and spices,
like oregano and paprika, are also rich in tocopherols. They contain mainly gamma-tocopherol, although alpha-tocopherol
can be present as well.
Green Leafy Vegetables - These are known to contain alpha-tocopherol,
the most biologically active form of Vitamin E. Spinach and kale, for example, are two leafy greens that are a good source of this tocopherol.
Cannabis Leaves - Some research has found that cannabis leaves contain alpha-tocopherol
and gamma-tocopherol.
Examples of some tocopherols found in fruit and vegetables are listed below:
Alpha-tocopherol -
The most active form of vitamin E in the human body, it is found in a variety of fruits and vegetables but is especially rich in wheat germ oil,
sunflower oil, and safflower oil.
Beta-tocopherol - Less prevalent in our diet compared to alpha-tocopherol. It
is found in some oils, such as corn and soybean.
Gamma-tocopherol - The most common form of vitamin E in the American diet,
largely due to its presence in soybean, corn, and canola oil, which are common in the typical Western diet.
The extraction process, including the solvents and methods used, can influence the concentration and types of tocopherols present in the final extract.
It is often the case that a balance needs to be found between fully-extracting all tocopherols while also ensuring that the compounds that are
obtained are of a high quality and not degraded.
At Celignis we have extensive experience in the design and optimisation of extraction protocols for a wide variety of chemical constituents from
many different biomass types. If needed we can also work on processes to separate and purify the target compounds.
Click here to read more about Celignis's Bioprocess Development Services for the extraction of
chemicals from biomass.
Celignis is a Partner in 3 Successful Proposals for EU Funding
We are pleased to announce that three of the proposals involving Celignis, submitted to the CBE-JU programme for funding collaborative biomass research in Europe, were successful. These projects will provide an additional funding of €1.5m to Celignis and build on our achievements in other CBE and EU projects. In particular, the projects are all at enhanced TRLs (6/7) and will use our existing Celignis Bioprocess infrastructure and will also fund further development of our bioprocessing capacities and the Bioprocess Development Services we offer our clients.
Details on the funded projects are provided below:
BIONEER - This project was funded under CBE-JU topic IA-06 and focuses on the TRL 6/7 production of biobased platform chemicals. Celignis's activities in the project focus on scaling up the work undertaken in our ongoing
Celignis to Exhibit and Present at Major Biochar Event
The 2024 North American Biochar Conference will take place in Sacramento, California, on Feb 12-15
On Feb 12-15 we'll be exhibiting at the 2024 North American Biochar Conference, taking place at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Centre in Sacramento, California.
We're looking forward to interacting with the 1000+ expected attendees, outlining our extensive range of analytical and application testing services for biochar.
Celignis CIO Lalitha Gottumukkala will also be a member of the expert panel focused on developing improved laboratory methods for biochar characterisation.
This Networking Event Will Involve Discussions on Collaborations for Proposals to the 2024 CBE-JU Topics
The Circular Bioeconomy Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE-JU) is an organisation that funds biomass research in Europe at various Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). Since 2016 Celignis has been an active participant in a number of projects funded by the CBE-JU.
The Biobased Industries Consortium (BIC) is the steering committee that helps to steer the focus of research for the CBE-JU programme. In 2023 Celignis joined the BIC as a Full Industry Member and participated in several proposals submitted for different research topics in the CBE-JU's 2023 Work Programme.
We're Hiring - Business Administration & Client Relationship Manager
This position will involve working closely with senior management, fostering existing and new client relationships.
Situated in Limerick, Ireland, Celignis currently operates at two centres, Celignis Analytical and Celignis Bioprocess, actively engaging in a variety of private and public bioeconomy projects. As we continue to expand, we're looking to strengthen our team of 14 with a Business Administration and Client Relationship Manager who can bring a blend of enthusiasm and expertise.
This position will involve working closely with senior management, fostering existing and new client relationships, and ensuring successful delivery of our services, playing a key role in our ongoing growth and success.
Celignis to Sponsor and Present at Major Biochar Event
The event takes place on May 3rd at Carrick-on-Shannon
We are pleased to announce that, on May 3rd, Celignis will be presenting and exhibiting at the National Biochar and Carbon Products Conference 2023, which is taking place in Carrick-on-Shannon in County Leitrm, Ireland.
This conference is being organised under the auspices of the Interreg Northwest Europe-funded THREE C Project, entitled 'Creating and sustaining Charcoal value chains to promote a Circular Carbon economy in NWE Europe'.
The conference will highlight both Irish stakeholders who are currently working in the biochar and carbon products sector, but also partners from the THREE C project (covering Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, France and Wales, as well as Ireland) who have interesting stories and products to share.
Thanks for contacting us. One of our representatives will be in contact with you shortly regarding your inquiry. If you ever have any questions that require immediate assistance, please call us at +353 61 371 725.
Contact Us
Somthing went wrong! Please call us at
+353 61 371 725 or send us a email at
info@celignis.com with your inquiry.
Contact Us
Please provide a valid email id.
News letter signup
Thanks for signing our newsletter.
News letter signup
Thanks for signing our newsletter.
Newsletter signup
Our newsletter provides monthly updates on new types of biomass analyses and articles on the development of innovative bioprocesses.
Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.
NOTE : We use cookies to improve our website and to give you the best experience. If you continue using our website, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on this website.