Ascorbate and cancer therapy: Possible support from dietary habits

Ascorbate is an essential nutrient in the human diet, but is also widely used as a medicinal product, and has long been held as a remedy for various diseases. Several studies have suggested a possible chemotherapeutic use of ascorbate, but there are discrepant observations possibly derived from different ways of ascorbate administration.In this chapter, we will focus on the anticancer effect of ascorbate, with particular emphasis on production of reactive oxygen species. When pharmacological ascorbate is given via intravenous administration, it is possible to achieve millimolar plasma concentration. At these levels, and in the presence of catalytic metal ions, ascorbate can induce oxidative stress through the generation of hydrogen peroxide. Recent in vitro and in vivo observations have demonstrated that ascorbate oxidation occurs in the extracellular space. This oxidation generates a ROS flux through cell membrane producing oxidative stress inside the cells, damaging severely cancer cells rather than normal cells. We will also review present data that supports ascorbate potential use in cancer therapy. Ascorbic acid or Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin C can be produced by most animals and plants from D-glucose and D-galactose. Ascorbic acid production is not possible in the human body due to the lack due to the lack of L-gulonolactone oxidase enzyme, and therefore, it should be assumed with the diet. © 2017 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.