The present study evaluated the chemopreventive potential of (6)-paradol, a pungent phenolic constituent of ginger, on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. The mechanistic pathway for the chemopreventive potential of (6)-paradol was evaluated by measuring the status of tumor incidence, volume and burden as well as by analyzing the status of phase II detoxification agents, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants. Oral squamous cell carcinoma was induced in hamster buccal pouches by painting them with 0.5% DMBA in liquid paraffin three times a week for 14 weeks. We observed 100% tumor formation with marked biochemical abnormalities in tumor-bearing animals compared to control animals. Oral administration of 30 mg/kg b.w. (6)-paradol to DMBA-treated hamsters on alternate days from DMBA painting for 14 weeks, significantly reduced the formation of tumors and improved the status of detoxification agents, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants. Therefore, the present study suggests that (6)-paradol has potent chemopreventive, anti-lipid peroxidative and antioxidant potentials as well as a modulating effect on phase II detoxification enzyme and reduced glutathione (GSH) in DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.