Selenium-based quinones have shown activity against cancer cells in laboratory tests, but they have not been established as a cancer treatment for people. The compounds studied are specially designed synthetic molecules—not selenium supplements—and the findings are an early drug-development lead, not evidence of clinical benefit.
What the selenium-based quinone study found
In a 2016 study, da Cruz and colleagues synthesized selenium-containing quinone-based 1,2,3-triazoles using copper-catalyzed click chemistry. They tested the compounds in vitro against six cancer cell lines: HL-60 leukemia, HCT-116 colon carcinoma, PC3 prostate cancer, SF295 glioblastoma, MDA-MB-435 melanoma, and OVCAR-8 ovarian cancer. Some compounds had IC50 values below 0.3 μM, meaning that concentration reduced cell viability by 50% in the particular assay.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The researchers also tested non-tumor cells and investigated whether activity was linked to NQO1, an enzyme, including experiments using the inhibitor dicoumarol. These cell-model experiments help guide further study; they do not establish that the compounds selectively target tumors in people, or identify an effective and safe human dose. Read the 2016 study by da Cruz et al. and its PubMed record.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →What “anticancer promise” means here
The authors described the molecules as potential leads for further anticancer drug development. That is a statement about laboratory results and a possible next research step—not a claim that a medicine is available, approved, or effective in patients. Cell assays measure effects under controlled experimental conditions; they cannot by themselves show whether a compound reaches a tumor in the body, works safely, improves survival, or benefits patients compared with existing treatments.
#1 Best Overall
- 240 Vegetarian Capsules Per Bottle
- 200mcg of Selenium Per Capsule
- 240 Servings Per Bottle - 1 Serving: Just 1 Capsule
- Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Vegetarian Capsules, 3rd Party Tested
- Made in an NSF Certified, GMP Compliant, FDA Registered Facility.
The study’s abstract says the compounds “could provide promising new lead derivatives for more potent anticancer drug development and delivery.” This is the authors’ interpretation of their experimental findings, not evidence of clinical benefit.
These compounds are not selenium supplements
“Selenium” describes an element found in many different chemical forms. The study’s selenium-containing quinones are designed synthetic molecules with structures and biological properties distinct from dietary selenium supplements. Results for one form cannot be transferred to another simply because both contain selenium.
Rank #2
- ESSENTIAL MINERAL/100 mcg TABLETS: Selenium is an essential trace mineral that is found naturally in Brazil nuts, organ meats, seafood, and wheat germ
- YEAST-FREE: Take 1 tablet 1 to 2 times daily with food
- CLASSIFICATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS: Vegan, Soy Free, Non-GMO, Kosher
- GMP Quality Assured: A-rated, third-party certification means that every aspect of the NOW manufacturing process has been examined. Our in-house laboratories are ISO/IEC accredited for laboratory testing including for stability, potency and product formulation.
- Founded in 1968 by Elwood Richard, NOW is one of the largest independent, family- and employee-owned manufacturers of natural products
Evidence about supplements also addresses a different question: whether taking selenium reduces cancer risk. A Cochrane review included 83 studies overall. In its analysis of randomized trials judged at low risk of bias, 27,232 participants had been allocated to selenium supplements or placebo; the estimate for any cancer incidence was RR 1.01 (95% CI 0.93–1.10), showing no reduction. The review concluded that well-designed randomized trials did not show that selenium supplements reduce cancer risk, and some trials raised concerns about adverse outcomes. These prevention findings do not directly test the synthetic quinone derivatives. See the Cochrane review on selenium for cancer prevention.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Do not use selenium supplements to prevent or treat cancer on the basis of the quinone study. The compounds, doses, and research questions are different.
Rank #3
- Essential Nutrient: Selenium is an important trace mineral that helps maintain health and wellness throughout the body and promotes optimal immune function*
- Thyroid Health: Selenium supports healthy thyroid function, which benefits energy levels, metabolism, mood, and healthy hair and skin*
- Antioxidant Support: Promotes the body’s natural antioxidant capabilities to reduce oxidative damage in the body caused by environmental toxins, stress, and the effects of poor diet and lifestyle choices*
- 3rd Party Contents Certified: This product has been third-party tested and certified to verify what's in the package matches what's on the label
- Trusted: Thorne is trusted by 100+ professional sports teams and the #1 most recommended clinical brand by consumers and health-care practitioners (Based on a 2026 independent survey of US supplement consumers and health-care practitioners)
Why selenium chemistry does not imply a predictable cancer effect
Selenium compounds are not one uniform intervention. Their chemical structure, metabolism, dose, redox behavior, and toxicity can differ. Reviews discuss possible effects involving reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, apoptosis, cell-cycle changes, and other signaling or cell-death pathways, while emphasizing that mechanisms depend on context and remain incompletely understood. A proposed mechanism is not proof that a compound will work as a treatment in a person. A 2018 review of selenium compounds and cancer also reported that large clinical studies had not shown cancer prevention from selenium supplementation, that relatively few randomized trials had studied selenium compounds in cancer patients, and that no selenium compound was recognized as an anticancer drug at the time of that review. That 2018 statement is not a current regulatory check for every compound.
What is—and is not—established
| Question | What the evidence establishes |
|---|---|
| Did the compounds affect cancer cells? | Some did in laboratory cell assays; some had IC50 values below 0.3 μM in the reported tests. |
| Are they proven safe and effective in patients? | No. The cited findings are preclinical and do not establish a human dose, clinical safety, or treatment benefit. |
| Do selenium supplements prevent cancer? | The Cochrane review’s low-risk-of-bias randomized-trial analysis found no reduction in cancer incidence. |
| Are the synthetic quinones equivalent to supplements? | No. They are chemically distinct, and supplement-prevention results do not test the synthetic compounds. |
| Are these compounds in clinical development now? | The cited material does not establish the present clinical-development status of each derivative. A cell assay alone does not indicate a clinical trial. |
What would need to happen before a treatment claim
A laboratory result is an early step. Further work would need to establish whether a candidate has suitable properties and safety in additional preclinical research, and then evaluate it through appropriately designed human studies. The cited 2016 paper supports further investigation; it does not establish that any particular derivative has completed those steps. The available evidence also does not justify comparing these compounds’ clinical effectiveness with approved cancer therapies.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Immune Support Supplement: Our selenium capsules are designed to support healthy cellular function and fortify your immune system*
- Antioxidant & Thyroid Support: Selenium, an essential cofactor for glutathione peroxidases, aids in maintaining antioxidant defenses and supports healthy thyroid hormone production*
- Pure Encapsulations Selenium: Each bottle comes packed with 180 selenium capsules, formulated with vegan ingredients
- Pure Quality: Our supplements are made with premium ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers and guided by nutritional experts, then manufactured and tested to verify potency and purity
- Pure Difference: What we leave out matters, too; Pure Encapsulations products are FREE FROM common allergens, artificial or unnecessary ingredients, and GMOs
Rank #4
- PROSTATE HEALTH SUPPORT (1): Selenium provides support for prostate health and men's wellness (1)
- CLINICALLY STUDIED DOSAGE: Provides 200 mcg of selenium per tablet
- IMMUNE & ANTIOXIDANT SUPPORT: Selenium supports immune system health and provides antioxidant support (1)
- VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY: Formulated with no gluten, sugar, milk, lactose or soy and is suitable for vegetarian lifestyles
- 50 YEARS OF QUALITY: Backed by over 50 years of quality and consistency, Nature's Bounty is committed to providing supplements you can trust
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
