Augmentation of radiation-induced apoptosis by ellagic acid.

This study evaluates the potential of ellagic acid (EA) as an enhancer of radiation-induced apoptosis in cancer cells. HeLa cells treated with EA and gamma radiation showed increased superoxide generation, upregulated p53 protein expression, and decreased antioxidant enzymes. We also found that EA and radiation enhance capase-3 activity via oxidative stress, increased intracellular calcium levels, and phospholipase C and cause a drop in mitochondrial potential. These results might provide a basis for prominent reduction of cancer cell using EA as an adjunct to radiotherapy and an opportunity to lower the toxic radiation doses to improve the quality of life.