The role of ascorbic acid in oral cancer and carcinogenesis.

L-ascorbic acid is an essential dietary vitamin in humans, primates and certain mammals and is endogenously synthesised in some species. Epidemiological and ecological studies have shown that L-ascorbic acid has a protective effect against cancer, in particular non-hormone-dependent malignancies, such as oropharyngeal neoplasms. Experimental in vivo and in vitro studies, however, have yielded more controversial results, suggesting that the effects of L-ascorbic acid are dose- and perhaps, time-dependent with different effects depending on the species or organ studied. An update of the epidemiological and experimental evidence linking L-ascorbic acid to oral cancer and carcinogenesis is discussed together with a brief review of the possible mechanisms of action of L-ascorbic acid.