The term “antioxidant” coined in 1920 denote substance that fight against any sort of oxidation process (chemical process in which oxygen is caused to combine with other molecules. Most oxidations occur with the liberation of large amounts of energy). The prefix "anti" of the word antioxidants indicate that it works “against” or “in opposition” to the activity of oxidants. Here oxidants indicate free radicals. Free radicals have attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. They are mainly derived from oxygen (reactive oxygen species/ROS) and nitrogen (reactive nitrogen species/RNS), and are generated in our body by various endogenous systems, exposure to different physicochemical conditions or patho- physiological states. Free radicals can adversely alter lipids, proteins and DNA (Deoxyribose nucleic acids) and have been implicated in aging and a number of human diseases including cancer. Antioxidants applications in this regard have become an interesting and introspective arena of research. Antioxidants can fight against these free radicals and protect the body from the various adversaries. When talking of antioxidants, the most widely acclaimed and discussed terminology are the dietary and herbal natural antioxidants which are mostly from plant sources. Scientific evidence strongly holds the promising concept of application of antioxidants against Cancer and also against the side-effects of Cancer Chemotherapy. Antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Quercetin, Curcumin and many others have immense potential to play an important part in Chemotherapy and also in fighting against wide range of cancers.
Keywords: Antioxidant; Cancer; Genetic damage; Vitamin C; Vitamin E; Curcumin; Quercetin
Table of Contents
1. Introduction:
2. Foods and antioxidants:
2.1. Vitamin C, its application in Cancer and Chemotherapy:
2.2. Vitamin E (Tocopherols), its application in Cancer and Chemotherapy:
2.3. Quercetin, its application in Cancer and Chemotherapy:
2.4. Curcumin its application in Cancer and Chemotherapy:
2.5. Lycopene, its application in Cancer and Chemotherapy:
3. Conclusion:
Objectives and Topics
This review article aims to explore the potential of natural dietary antioxidants as a supportive approach in cancer therapy, specifically focusing on their ability to mitigate the severe side effects of conventional chemotherapy while potentially enhancing treatment efficacy. The central research inquiry revolves around how antioxidants found in plant-based sources can protect healthy cells from chemotherapy-induced damage and contribute to cancer prevention strategies.
- Mechanisms of free radical generation during chemotherapy and resultant cellular toxicity.
- Therapeutic potential of Vitamin C and Vitamin E in reducing chemotherapy-induced side effects.
- Pharmacological properties of plant-derived flavonoids like Quercetin.
- Anti-cancer and chemopreventive roles of Curcumin and Lycopene.
- The concept of combination therapy using antioxidants and traditional drugs.
Excerpt from the book
2.1. Vitamin C, its application in Cancer and Chemotherapy:
The most common and easily available natural antioxidant is the water soluble glucose derivative Vitamin C (C6H8O6). In 1747, Scottish naval surgeon James Lind discovered that a nutrient (now known as Vitamin C) in citrus fruits prevented the disease called scurvy. It is a powerful reducing agent and present widely in tropical diet rich in citrus fruits (e.g. oranges and lemons) and vegetables. Vitamin C has been extensively tested in vitro (Latin for” within glass” i.e. cells and tissues grown in culture flasks/petridishes) and in vivo (Latin for "within the living system") for its ability to prevent the adverse effects of, decrease resistance to, and increase the effects of chemotherapeutic agents. In one work in laboratory rats antioxidant Vitamin C was used to study its protective role against Cisplatin toxicity. It was observed that Vitamin C inhibited Cisplatin induced chromosomal damage by about 41% and 70% when compared to animals treated only with Cisplatin alone (Antunes et. al., 2000). Later in yet another work with Cisplatin, it was observed that Vitamin C used in the human lymphocytes culture reduced the clastogenic effects of the drug (Nefic, 2001). In one of our research findings (Mazumdar et. al., 2011) it was shown that Vitamin C minimizes the genetical side effects of cancer drug Mitomycin C in mammalian test model and a high dose of 500 milligram per kilogram body weight showed highest level of protection to mammalian cells against the effects of the drug.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the nature of cancer, the current modalities of chemotherapy, and the limitations of traditional treatments regarding healthy cell toxicity.
2. Foods and antioxidants: Discusses the general role of dietary antioxidants and their potential as cost-effective agents for neutralizing oxidative stress.
2.1. Vitamin C, its application in Cancer and Chemotherapy: Examines the protective role of Vitamin C against DNA damage and chemotherapy-induced toxicity in various biological models.
2.2. Vitamin E (Tocopherols), its application in Cancer and Chemotherapy: Reviews studies showing how Vitamin E can reduce chemotherapy-induced toxicity without impairing anti-tumor activity.
2.3. Quercetin, its application in Cancer and Chemotherapy: Investigates the biological properties of Quercetin and its complex role in cancer research, balancing anti-tumor potential with mutagenicity concerns.
2.4. Curcumin its application in Cancer and Chemotherapy: Highlights the chemopreventive efficacy of Curcumin in inducing apoptosis and protecting against the side effects of chemotherapeutic agents.
2.5. Lycopene, its application in Cancer and Chemotherapy: Discusses the association between high intake of tomato-based lycopene and a significant reduction in the risk of various cancers.
3. Conclusion: Summarizes the overall findings, advocating for an "antioxidant revolution" in dietary habits to support cancer prevention and treatment outcomes.
Keywords
Antioxidant, Cancer, Chemotherapy, Genetic damage, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Curcumin, Quercetin, Lycopene, Oxidative stress, DNA damage, Free radicals, Phytochemicals, Apoptosis, Cancer prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research article?
The article focuses on the potential of natural dietary antioxidants to support conventional cancer chemotherapy by minimizing side effects and enhancing treatment efficacy.
What are the core thematic areas covered in this work?
The work covers free radical-induced damage, the role of specific vitamins (C and E), plant flavonoids (Quercetin, Curcumin), and carotenoids (Lycopene) in cancer management.
What is the main objective of the author?
The main objective is to establish the correlation between antioxidant intake and the reduction of chemotherapy-induced side effects, proposing a holistic approach to cancer care.
Which scientific methodology is primarily employed?
The article is a review article that synthesizes scientific evidence from various in vitro (laboratory cultures) and in vivo (animal model) studies.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the paper?
The main body treats the specific mechanisms and laboratory outcomes of using Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Quercetin, Curcumin, and Lycopene in combination with anti-cancer drugs.
Which keywords best describe the essence of this study?
Key terms include Antioxidant, Cancer, Chemotherapy, Genetic damage, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Curcumin, and Quercetin.
How does Vitamin C specifically aid in chemotherapy treatments?
Vitamin C acts as a reducing agent that has been shown to minimize chromosomal damage and genetic toxicity caused by drugs like Cisplatin and Mitomycin C.
What caution does the author mention regarding Quercetin?
The author notes that while Quercetin has anti-tumor properties, some studies have also indicated potential mutagenic effects in certain laboratory assays, highlighting the need for proper dosing.
Is Curcumin's effect on cancer cells purely preventative?
No, the article highlights that Curcumin can activate caspases leading to apoptosis in cancer cells, indicating both chemopreventive and potential therapeutic anti-tumor activity.
What is the "antioxidant revolution" mentioned by the author?
It refers to the author's recommendation to increase the daily intake of plant-derived antioxidants as a wise and safer alternative strategy in cancer prevention and long-term health maintenance.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Mehnaz Mazumdar (Author), 2011, Antioxidants, Cancer and Chemotherapy (Review Article) , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/176638
