Tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) or 2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,4-benzenediol is an antioxdant found to inhibit lipid oxidation. Extensive studies have demonstrated that tBHQ exhibit anti-carcinogenic effect. The ability of tBHQ to induce phase II xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes through an Nrf2-dependent pathway is thought to be responsible for the observed protective effect of tBHQ. It has been proposed that tBHQ enhances Nrf2-mediated transcription by promoting reactive oxygen species-mediated dissociation of Nrf2-Keap1, Nrf2 stabilization, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt activity, and MAPK pathway activation. tBHQ has been commonly used as a synthetic food additive to prevent oils and fats from oxidative deterioration and rancidity due to its potent anti-lipid peroxidation activity.