Relationship: Cancer (natural therapy for) and vitamin C

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C
For the health condition: Cancer (natural therapy for)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis
Other ingredients for this health condition
Other health conditions supported by this ingredient
Products containing this ingredient

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has been explored as a supportive or alternative therapy for cancer for decades. The interest in high-dose vitamin C originated in the 1970s, primarily through the work of Linus Pauling and Ewan Cameron, who suggested that intravenous (IV) vitamin C could prolong survival in terminal cancer patients. Initial case reports and uncontrolled studies indicated possible benefits, but subsequent randomized controlled trials using oral vitamin C failed to show significant efficacy, leading to skepticism in the conventional medical community.

More recently, research has revisited vitamin C, particularly in high intravenous doses, which achieve blood concentrations unachievable with oral intake. Laboratory and animal studies have shown that high-dose vitamin C may selectively kill certain cancer cells, reduce tumor growth, and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation by generating hydrogen peroxide in the extracellular space, causing oxidative stress to cancer cells. Early-phase clinical trials have demonstrated that IV vitamin C is generally safe and may improve quality of life or reduce chemotherapy side effects, but robust evidence of anti-cancer efficacy in humans is lacking.

In summary, the use of vitamin C as a cancer therapy is supported by some scientific investigation, especially preclinical and early clinical studies, but high-quality evidence from large, randomized human trials is insufficient. Therefore, while there is scientific interest and ongoing research, the current evidence base for vitamin C as a cancer treatment is low (rated 2/5).

More about vitamin C
More about Cancer (natural therapy for)

Other ingredients used for Cancer (natural therapy for)

7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)
acai berry
ajoene
aloe vera
amino acids
green chiretta
anthocyanins
apricot
arabinogalactan
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
astragalus
barberry
basil
beet
berberine
berry flavor
beta and delta tocopherols
beta caryophyllene
beta-pinene
Beta-Glucan
beta-sitosterol
bisabolol
black cohosh
black cumin
black garlic
sesame
black walnut
blackberry
blueberry
Indian frankincense
branched-chain amino acids
broccoli
bromelain
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
cannabis sativa oil
capsaicinoids
carrot
cat's claw
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
chaga mushroom
chamomile
champignon
Chinese salvia root
chlorella
chrysin
cinnamon
citrus oil
citrus pectin
clove
coconut milk
cordyceps
cowage seed
cryptoxanthin
turmeric
curcumin
cuspidatum root
d-glucarate
dandelion
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
diallyl trisulfide (DATS)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eleuthero
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fisetin
fish oil
flavonols
flaxseed
gamma tocopherol
garlic bulb
genistein
genistin
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
hemp oil
hesperetin
hesperidin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
Indian tinospora
indole-3-carbinol
knotweed
jujube
kale
kelp
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
lignans
lion's mane
liquid liver fractions
luteolin
lychee
lycopene
maitake mushroom
mangosteen
marine lipid
matcha
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
melatonin
mixed carotenoids
moringa
mustard seed
naringin
nettle
oleanolic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
oyster mushroom
papain
parsley
pectin
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
phytocannabinoids
phytosterols
plantain
plum fruit
pomegranate
pomelo
protein
butyric acid
pumpkin
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
rutin
scrophularia root
secoisolariciresinol diglucoside
selenium
shiitake mushroom
black ginger
soybean
sphaeranthus indicus
spirulina
sulforaphane glucosinolate
tocotrienols
tomato
trans-pterostilbene
tributyrin
triphala
turkey tail mushroom
Urolithin A
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
seaweed
wasabia japonica
wheat grass
whey protein
mulberry
zinc
sarsaparilla
red clover
yellow root
suma
jiaogulan
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
gastrodia
atractylodes
papaya
shen-chu
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
commiphora
smilax
tinospora cordifolia
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
buckthorn
pau d'arco
morus
lemongrass
myrrh
root tuber
ferulic acid
siler root
cistanche
dioscorea
dodder
ganoderma
hyacinth bean
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
royal jelly
polyphenols
purslane
coix
polyporus
aster root
noni
biota seed
nopal
goji berry
paw paw
millet seed
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
indigo leaves
cocoa
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
cayenne pepper
soy isoflavones
ashitaba
soursop
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
4-Hydroxyandrostenedione
7,4-Dimethoxyflavone
Arugula
Agarikon Mushroom
akebia
Antler
Alpha-Humulene
Amethoflavone
Amygdalin
Ankaflavin
Angelica
Apigenin
Aronia melanocarpa
Allicin
Antrodia camphorata
Achyranthes
Auricularia
Anamu
Abrus
Albizia
Artesunate
AHCC
Ajuga
Andrographolide
Avocado
Amentoflavone
Acetogenin
Acacetin
Allophycocyanin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Astragaloside
Armillaria mellea
anthocyanidins
Andrographis
Adzuki bean
Ampelopsin
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
Acemannan
allyl isothiocyanate
Alkylglycerols
Alliin
Arabinoxylan
Allium tuberosum
Alantolactone
Anti-aromatase
Arctiin
Arjunolic acid
Artepillin C
Astragalin
Atractylone
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bai Ji
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
bergenin
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Betulinic acid
Brassica
Boswellic Acid
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Beef liver
Barleria
Berberis (unspecified)
Bitter Grass
Bok Choy
Baicalein
Beta-lapachone
Bee hive
Bael
Bloodroot
biochanin
Butternut
Basidiomycota
Betanin
Bauhinia
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Butein
Bioflavonoids
Barbasco
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Bacteria
benzyl isothiocyanate
Baicalin
Bignay
Boerhavia diffusa
Caffeic Acid
Cumin
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Caryophyllene
Cinnamomum
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cyanobacteria
Calotropis gigantea
Condurango
Calycosin
Chlorophyllin
Cod Liver Oil
Coriolus mushroom
Cactus
Carvacrol
Cynomorium
Capillary Artemisia
Cyanidin
chlorogenic acid
Chinese Fleeceflower
Curcuminoid
Capsaicin
Chinese Pond Turtle
Cancerina
Cereal grass
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cruciferous
Casticin
Curcumen
Centella asiatica
Cinnamic Acid
Curcuma
Carnosol
Chalcone
C-Phycocyanin
Chaparral
Cabbage
Chirata
Crinum latifolium
Cherimoya
Cephalotaxus sinensis
Chebulinic acid
Cinnamaldehyde
Corilagin
Coumaric acid
Crocetin
Cynaropicrin
Cytokines
Costus
Celastrus
Celosia
Carnosic acid
Cannabichromene
Cannabigerol
Dunaliella salina
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Diallyl sulfide
Delphinidin
Decursin
Daidzein
Diosgenin
Didymin
Diterpenes
Dithiolthiones
Diosmetin
epicatechin
Ellagic Acid
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Eclipta
Elk antler
Emblicanin
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Euphorbia
Embelia
Ellagitannin
Emodin
Enokitake
Fig
Fiber
Flavonoids
Flavonones
Flammulina velutipes
Garlic
Galangal
Isoflavones
Lotus
Little ironweed
Mistletoe
Periwinkle
Rhubarb
Soy Protein
Sumac
walnut

Other health conditions supported by vitamin C

Abrasions
Abscesses
Acne
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addison's Disease
Adrenal Fatigue
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Anxiety
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Bell's Palsy
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Bleeding (internal)
Blood Poisoning
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Bruises (prevention)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Capillary Weakness
Carbuncles
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cataracts
Cervical Dysplasia
Chemical Poisoning
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colon (atonic)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Copper Toxicity
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cuts
Cystic Breast Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Debility
Dementia
Denture Sores
Depression
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Environmental Pollution
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Problems
Eyesight (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Free Radical Damage
Gall Stones
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glaucoma
Gonorrhea
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Heart (weakness)
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Herpes
Hot Flashes
Hypertension
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Knees (weak)
Laryngitis
Lead Poisoning
Lesions
Leucorrhea
Leukemia
Ligaments (torn or injured)
Liver Detoxification
Lyme Disease
Macular Degeneration
Mastitis
Measles
Memory and Brain Function
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Metabolic Syndrome
Mononucleosis
Mumps
Nose Bleeds
Oral Surgery
Osteoporosis
Pancreatitis
PMS (general)
PMS Type C
PMS Type H
Pneumonia
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Progesterone (low)
Prolapsed Uterus
Prostatitis
Radiation Sickness
Rashes and Hives
Restless Leg Syndrome
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Rosacea
Scars / Scar Tissue
Schizophrenia
Scratches and Abrasions
Scurvy
Shingles
Shock
Sinus Infection
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Sore Throat
Spider Veins
Spinal Disks
Sprains
Strep Throat
Stretch Marks
Sunburn
Surgery (healing from)
Surgery (preparation for)
Teeth (loose)
Tendonitis
Thrush
Tickle in Throat
Tonsillitis
Tooth Extraction
Toxemia
Triglycerides (high)
Tuberculosis
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Uric Acid Retention
Urinary Tract Infections
Vaginitis
Varicose Veins
Warts
Wounds and Sores
Wrinkles

Products containing vitamin C

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C
For the health condition: Cancer (natural therapy for)

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Cancer (natural therapy for)

Other health conditions supported by vitamin C

Products containing vitamin C

Health Concerns

Brands

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin CFor the health condition: Cancer (natural therapy for)

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Cancer (natural therapy for)

Other health conditions supported by vitamin C

Products containing vitamin C

Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C
For the health condition: Cancer (natural therapy for)