Anti-carcinogenic agents work through multiple mechanisms including:
- Antioxidant Activity: Many anti-carcinogenic agents act as antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals that can damage DNA and lead to cancer. - Detoxification Enzymes: Some agents enhance the activity of enzymes that detoxify carcinogens, rendering them harmless. - Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Chronic inflammation can lead to cancer, and anti-carcinogenic agents often possess anti-inflammatory properties. - Apoptosis Induction: These agents can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. - Immune System Modulation: Some anti-carcinogenic agents boost the immune system's ability to target and destroy cancer cells.
