Abstract

One of the main driving forces are the biochemical reactions, which take place which help to sustain human life within the organelles and cells of the body. Consumption of Smokeless tobacco such as betel quid, areca nut and alcohol, which result in increased free radicals’ production. Free radicals damage the cellular materials which would result in triggering or transforming normal cells into malignant ones. But, the magnitude of such damage is dependent on the body’s defense mechanism, which is mediated by various cellular antioxidants. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals are conjectured to be involved in neoplastic transformation Fiaschi AI [1]. ROS at high levels create toxicity to the cell. An imbalance between the production of ROS and the cell’s oxidant capacity creates oxidative stress, which in turn may instigate or promote carcinogenesis in the cell by mutagenesis, cytotoxicity and changes in gene expression Lien et al. [2]. Slaked lime is one of the major ingredients used in betel quid beside of areca nut, catechu, and betel leaf. Aqueous extracts of areca nut and catechu were capable of generating superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide at pH > 9.5. The areca nutinduced production of ROS was enhanced by Fe2+, Fe3+ and Cu2+, but inhibited by Mn2+.Calcium hydroxide content of slaked lime in the presence of areca nut is a major factor responsible for the formation of ROS which cause oxidative damage in the DNA of buccal mucosa cells of (Betel Quid) BQ chewers Nair et al.[3,4].