Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble compound with two ionizable hydroxyl groups and two pKa values. It functions as a reducing agent and antioxidant, undergoing two one-electron oxidations to form ascorbate radical and dehydroascorbic acid. Ascorbate can be regenerated enzymatically or non-enzymatically. It readily undergoes pH-dependent autoxidation, producing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and its oxidation is accelerated by catalytic metals. Ascorbate can act as a prodrug to deliver H2O2 to tumors, which has led to renewed interest in its clinical potential. Intravenous administration of ascorbate bypasses gut control, leading to high plasma levels. Ascorbate is involved in various biochemical processes, including the function of hydroxylases, the HIF system, and histone demethylation. It is a cofactor for enzymes that require Fe²+ and 2-oxoglutarate. Ascorbate is also involved in the regulation of gene expression and epigenetic modifications. It plays a role in maintaining the function of enzymes and is essential for the synthesis of collagen. Ascorbate is a major antioxidant in the body, protecting against oxidative damage. However, in the presence of catalytic metals, ascorbate can have pro-oxidant effects, leading to the formation of reactive oxygen species. Ascorbate is involved in the recycling of ascorbate radical and dehydroascorbic acid. It is also involved in the regulation of iron homeostasis and the prevention of oxidative damage. Ascorbate has been shown to have protective effects against cancer, and its use in cancer treatment is being explored. High-dose intravenous ascorbate has been shown to generate H2O2, which can have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. The use of ascorbate in cancer treatment is being studied, with some evidence suggesting its potential as an adjuvant therapy. The mechanisms of action of ascorbate in cancer treatment are complex and involve multiple pathways, including the generation of H2O2 and the modulation of gene expression. The role of ascorbate in cancer treatment is still being investigated, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential.Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble compound with two ionizable hydroxyl groups and two pKa values. It functions as a reducing agent and antioxidant, undergoing two one-electron oxidations to form ascorbate radical and dehydroascorbic acid. Ascorbate can be regenerated enzymatically or non-enzymatically. It readily undergoes pH-dependent autoxidation, producing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and its oxidation is accelerated by catalytic metals. Ascorbate can act as a prodrug to deliver H2O2 to tumors, which has led to renewed interest in its clinical potential. Intravenous administration of ascorbate bypasses gut control, leading to high plasma levels. Ascorbate is involved in various biochemical processes, including the function of hydroxylases, the HIF system, and histone demethylation. It is a cofactor for enzymes that require Fe²+ and 2-oxoglutarate. Ascorbate is also involved in the regulation of gene expression and epigenetic modifications. It plays a role in maintaining the function of enzymes and is essential for the synthesis of collagen. Ascorbate is a major antioxidant in the body, protecting against oxidative damage. However, in the presence of catalytic metals, ascorbate can have pro-oxidant effects, leading to the formation of reactive oxygen species. Ascorbate is involved in the recycling of ascorbate radical and dehydroascorbic acid. It is also involved in the regulation of iron homeostasis and the prevention of oxidative damage. Ascorbate has been shown to have protective effects against cancer, and its use in cancer treatment is being explored. High-dose intravenous ascorbate has been shown to generate H2O2, which can have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. The use of ascorbate in cancer treatment is being studied, with some evidence suggesting its potential as an adjuvant therapy. The mechanisms of action of ascorbate in cancer treatment are complex and involve multiple pathways, including the generation of H2O2 and the modulation of gene expression. The role of ascorbate in cancer treatment is still being investigated, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential.