Anti-oxidant
Oxidative stress is known to be a major contributor to increased cancer risk. Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated as by-products of metabolic processes involving redox enzymes and bioenergetics electron transfer, and exposure to some exogenous chemicals [59]. Free radicals and ROS can damage proteins and DNA within cells leading to oxidative stress, which can be countered by anti-oxidative enzymes and repair mechanisms. However, excess oxidative stress can overwhelm the innate protective systems leading to a variety of physiological disorders including cancer [59]. Cancer cells generate increased levels of free radicals relative to normal cells, further contributing to cancer progression [59]. More and more evidence suggests that this cancer-inducing oxidative damage might be prevented or limited by using anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants may mediate their effect by directly reacting with ROS, quenching them or chelating the catalytic metal ions [60].