**7. Conclusion**

Ascorbic acid is widely regarded as an essential antioxidant in both humans and animals. As an antioxidant, it has two basic functions: first, it reacts and inactivates free radicals in plasma, cytosol, and extracellular fluid compartment of the body. Second, it can regenerate vitamin E in its oxidized form. Those functions are possible because of its ability to donate electron. Studies have reported the use of ascorbic acid in the prevention and treatment of cancer. There are different publications on the antioxidant activity of ascorbic acid through various mechanisms at different dosages such as reduction of cytotoxicity, decreased apoptosis, and preservation of tumor cells from lipid peroxidation, inhibiting cancer cell growth, and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. The briefly discussed antioxidant role of ascorbic acid just represents some abilities of its involvement in physiological activities. More research is needed to understand dose– response variations, as well as its targeting mechanisms of action as an antioxidant and anticancer agent, to aid in the prevention and treatment of cancer, with the goal of improving the quality of life for both patients and the general population.
