Withaferin A-stimulated Ca2+ entry, ceramide formation and suicidal death of erythrocytes

► The anticancererogenic Withaferin A triggers suicidal erythrocyte death (eryptosis). ► Withaferin leads to erythrocyte shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling. ► Withaferin increases cytosolic Ca2+-activity. ► Withaferin stimulated ceramide-formation. ► Withaferin thus triggers suicidal death of cells without nuclei and mitochondria.