Redox therapy is an experimental therapy that aims to effect an outcome by modifying the levels of

pro-oxidant Pro-oxidants are chemicals that induce oxidative stress, either by generating reactive oxygen species or by inhibiting antioxidant systems. The oxidative stress produced by these chemicals can damage cells and tissues, for example, an overdose of ...

and

antioxidant Antioxidants are Chemical compound, compounds that inhibit Redox, oxidation, a chemical reaction that can produce Radical (chemistry), free radicals. Autoxidation leads to degradation of organic compounds, including living matter. Antioxidants ...

agents in cells. The term "redox" is a contraction of "reduction-oxidation". For cancer patients, the therapy is predicated on the idea that the redox state of cells may have an effect on cancer development. Historically, and in

alternative medicine Alternative medicine refers to practices that aim to achieve the healing effects of conventional medicine, but that typically lack biological plausibility, testability, repeatability, or supporting evidence of effectiveness. Such practices are ...

, the term "redox therapy" has also been used to describe the practice of administering high dosages of vitamins; in a 1984 study, high dosages of

Menadione Menadione is a natural organic compound with the formula C6H4(CO)2C2H(CH3). It is an analog of 1,4-naphthoquinone with a methyl group in the 2-position. It is sometimes called vitamin K3. Use is allowed as a nutritional supplement in animal ...

and

Vitamin C Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid and ascorbate) is a water-soluble vitamin found in citrus and other fruits, berries and vegetables. It is also a generic prescription medication and in some countries is sold as a non-prescription di ...

were given to a patient.

References

{{Reflist Orthomolecular medicine Alternative cancer treatments

See also

References