Natural antioxidants and their role in cancer prevention

Abstract

We often credit antioxidants because of their ability to protect cells from the oxidative/electrophilic damage that makes them turn cancerous. A number of antioxidants have shown to inhibit the induction of cancer by a wide variety of chemical carcinogens and/or radiation at many target sites in mice, rats, and hamsters. Epidemiological studies suggest that a diet rich in plant products containing natural antioxidants may be a deterrent to carcinogenicity. Many antioxidants were tested to determine if they would inhibit tumor initiation, promotion, and/or progression. Use of a number of important antioxidants can be helpful in the treatment of cancer, either as sole agents or as adjuncts to standard radiation and chemotherapy protocols. Our knowledge of antioxidants in a cancer setting is still at its infancy stage. In order to understand antioxidants and their role in cancer prevention, we must know what exactly antioxidants are and how they help our bodies. The interactions between antioxidant and cancer prevention cannot be decided solely on the basis of presumed mechanism of action when used concurrently. Numerous natural antioxidants appear to have beneficial health effects. There is sufficient evidence to recommend consuming food sources rich in antioxidants but still much scientific research needs to be carried out before we can begin to make dietary recommendations. This chapter summarizes the current knowledge on the occurrence, types and antioxidative properties of natural antioxidants, underlying the necessity of further research. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. All rights reserved.