Ascorbigen is a compound derived from cruciferous vegetables, particularly from the hydrolysis of glucobrassicin, and is known as a derivative of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) bound to indole-3-carbinol. Its use for supporting or treating free radical damage is primarily based on its antioxidant properties. Several in vitro studies have demonstrated that ascorbigen can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and may help protect cells from oxidative damage, a process implicated in aging and various chronic diseases. For example, research has shown that ascorbigen exhibits antioxidant activity by reducing lipid peroxidation and increasing the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes in cell models.

However, the bulk of evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies, and there is a lack of robust clinical trials in humans directly supporting ascorbigen’s efficacy in mitigating free radical damage or oxidative stress–related conditions. Most of the scientific rationale is extrapolated from its structural similarity to vitamin C and its demonstrated antioxidant effects in non-human systems. While the theoretical basis and preclinical data are promising, the clinical relevance in humans remains unclear, and therefore, the overall level of scientific evidence supporting its use for free radical damage is modest.