Cytotoxicity of ascorbate, lipoic acid, and other antioxidants in hollow fibre in vitro tumours
2001

Effects of Vitamin C and Other Antioxidants on Tumor Cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Casciari J J, Riordan N H, Schmidt T L, Meng X L, Jackson J A, Riordan H D

Primary Institution: Bio-Communications Research Institute, Center for the Improvement of Human Functioning International

Hypothesis

Can ascorbate, in combination with other antioxidants, kill tumor cells in a hollow fibre in vitro model at clinically achievable concentrations?

Conclusion

Ascorbate, especially when combined with lipoic acid, can effectively kill tumor cells in vitro at concentrations that may be achievable in humans.

Supporting Evidence

  • Ascorbate increased the percentage of apoptotic cells in SW620 hollow fibre tumours.
  • Lipoic acid reduced the LC50 of ascorbate in hollow fibre tumours significantly.
  • Ascorbate levels in human blood plasma can reach tumoricidal concentrations after intravenous infusions.

Takeaway

Vitamin C can help kill cancer cells, especially when mixed with other vitamins, and doctors might be able to use it safely in treatments.

Methodology

The study assessed the anti-cancer efficacy of ascorbate and other antioxidants using annexin V staining and survival assays in a hollow fibre tumor model.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1054/bjoc.2001.1814

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